Slowdown of urology residents’ learning curve during the COVID-19 emergency

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has rapidly been spreading worldwide and Italy has been hit hard. The Urology Department daily activities were drastically reduced and limited only to non-deferrable procedures and this unprecedent scenario is having an impact on residents training program. Therefore, new alternative teaching methods should be introduced by using smart-learning technologies. Firstly pre- recorded video of the theoretical lessons or surgical interventions can be uploaded into dedicated platforms and can be available on-demand. Then, the next evolution of online teaching is represented by webinar format, in which interactive case discussion is permitted. Moreover, thank the advent of social media, web-based journal club and podcast resulted to be useful. Focusing on clinical smart-smart learning, the clinical staff can be transmitted remotely by using webinar and the ward rounds can be shared online thanks the advent of new robotic platforms. Finally, the real clinical utility of virtual simulation training programs is under investigation. In conclusions, we think that the use of smart technology should be maximized and implemented, in order to guarantee continuity in the learning curve of the residents.