In-Office Procedures and the ‘Scope’ of Practice for APPs

Terran W. Sims, NP, MSN, ACNP-C, CNN, COCN-C, presented “In-Office Procedures and the ‘Scope’ of Practice for APPs” at the 11th Urology Today conference on October 27, 2023.

How to cite: Sims, Terran W. “In-Office Procedures and the ‘Scope’ of Practice for APPs.” October 2023. Accessed Sep 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/in-office-procedures-and-the-scope-of-practice-for-apps/

In-Office Procedures and the ‘Scope’ of Practice for APPs – Summary

Terran W. Sims, NP, MSN, ACNP-C, CNN, COCN-C, discusses how to prepare and incorporate advanced practice providers (APPs) like nurse practitioners and physician assistants in urologic procedures. Ms. Sims begins by listing office procedures APPs might encounter, focusing on cystoscopy, stent removal, and difficult catheter insertion. She continues by posing a guiding question for her discussion: What is the best fit for APPs in practice? 

Ms. Sims then briefly reviews differences in the scope of practice for APPs across the U.S., noting important state licensure requirements and highlighting the increasing presence of APP participation in urologic procedures. She emphasizes the American Urological Association’s (AUA) and Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates’ (SUNA) support for APP involvement, and utilizes cystoscopy as an example by detailing data that show increased levels of patient satisfaction as APPs have performed greater numbers of cystoscopy procedures. 

Ms. Sims concludes by addressing the primary obstacles to additional APP role expansion: the lack of training and the lack of standard curriculum. She encourages urologists to overcome these obstacles and invest in APPs by providing training, instilling confidence, and maintaining mentorship. She reiterates the benefits of APP involvement, including increased cost-effectiveness, profit margins, and team productivity.

About The 11th Urology Today Conference:

Presented by chair Ryan P. Terlecki, MD, FACS, the 11th Urology Today conference was designed to keep urologists, urologic oncologists, and other healthcare providers educated on the most pertinent issues in urology practices. Areas of focus included urologic oncology, men’s health and reconstruction, female urology, pediatric urology, kidney stones and related conditions, and methods of providing the best care amidst the required logistics of the business side of medicine.

For further educational activities from this conference, visit our collection page.