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