What is in store for urology nurses at EAUN20 in Amsterdam, 20-23 March 2020
Onco-urology, sexual dysfunction, continence, holistic approach and quality of life, and much more
Look forward to innovations in urological nursing and multidisciplinary collaborations at the upcoming 21st International EAUN Meeting (EAUN20). In this article, esteemed members of the EAUN Scientific Congress Office, Mr. Robert McConkey and Mrs. Hanny Cobussen-Boekhorst, and respected members Ms. Kathryn Chatterton of the EAUN Special Interest Group Bladder Cancer, and Ms. Eva Wallace of the EAUN Special Interest Group Continence, offer a sneak peek at the anticipated meeting.
“Searching for educational urological updates focused on high-quality and safe care for patients? Interested to know more about inspiring clinical practice? EAUN20 promises to deliver these and more,” said Mr. McConkey.
He stated, “Some of the oncology lectures will examine the salient issues affecting patients with muscle-invasive and non-muscle-invasive bladder cancers, and their quality of life. The lectures will also address sexual (dys)function of male cancer survivors, and the emerging role of genomics in urological cancers. EAUN20 participants can expect the assessment and management of skeletal issues in metastatic prostate cancer, as well as, interdisciplinary end-of-life care.”
Mr. McConkey added that the meeting will also touch upon holistic approaches to urinary and bowel continence care; endourology and robotics; updates of the EAUN indwelling catheterisation guidelines and the proposed Urological Nursing Education Framework (Curriculum); and the critical nursing role in antimicrobial stewardship, to name a few.
Dynamic programme
“In healthcare, collaboration is of utmost importance to ensure top quality and safety. This is one of the core foundations in the development of EAUN20’s Scientific Programme,” said Mrs. Cobussen-Boekhorst.
The programme is so comprehensive and dynamic that it comprises of specialty sessions such as the “Best of urological nursing practice in Europe”. In this session, participants will receive valuable insights, tips and tricks, and clinical practice updates from top nurses who are awardees of the Best Nurse of the Year in their respective countries. Their contribution to urology, stoma or continence care is instrumental to achieving a high quality of nursing care.
“The meeting will cover vital topics such as bladder and bowel management; antibiotic resistance because within urology, high rates of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are causing concern; developments in endourology; nocturia in children and adults, and many more,” added Mrs. Cobussen-Boekhorst.
HOT courses
Based on positive feedback received at EAUN19, the ESU/ESUT – EAUN Hands-on Training (HOT) in Flexible cystoscopy will precede the three-day meeting.
Ms. Chatterton stated, “This HOT course is specifically designed for nurses who aim to set up a nurse-led flexible cystoscopy service. The outcome is to enable nurses to gain insight into what is required to set up the service within their hospitals.”
She added, “The course also includes theory and practical basics. Under the guidance of experts, the participants will familiarise themselves with the flexible cystoscope in a classroom-like environment.”
According to Ms. Chatterton, this HOT course will offer a comprehensive overview on anatomy and physiology to deepen nurses’ knowledge on identification and troubleshooting specific problems a patient may have. The course will also include a step-by-step guide to gaining learning competencies, and provide instruction on required protocols under the support/guidance of a urologist.
This in-demand course will take place on 20 March 2020, from 14:00 to 17:30 and will only have limited seats available. Interested participants can secure their place for a small fee.
The EAUN20 Scientific Committee is also preparing a new HOT course “The Fundamentals of Urological Nursing Assessments” where participants can enrich their skills in nephrostomy care; bladder irrigation and manual washouts; catheter troubleshooting; uroflowmetry and bladder scanning; and stoma care. Participants will also review symptom and assessment questionnaires in this HOT course.
Workshop on patient education
Another notable activity at EAUN20 is the must-attend workshop “Patient education: Organised structured or invisible – How to promote compliance” which will take place on Friday, 20 March from 14:30 to 17:15.
“Ask yourself, are your patients educated? Do they understand the consequences of non-compliance? The workshop aims to foster a culture of learning, focusing on identifying key enablers and barriers to patient education. It is fundamental to empower your patients. Help them by giving them the necessary tools to self-manage their own urological issues and be experts in their own care,” states Ms. Wallace.
Centred on incontinence, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), and erectile dysfunction, the workshop will help nurses adopt effective teaching strategies for their patients’ learning needs.
Interested participants can register online or by sending an email to registrations@congressconsultants.com.
Making a difference
“We aim for offer the EAUN20 experience that will inspire the delegates to apply the new knowledge they’ve gained to optimise their practice, and also help them build connections with other nurses across Europe,” stated Mrs. Cobussen-Boekhorst.
“EAUN20 has a so much to offer; if each delegate could take home just one thing they’ve learned and make a small change to their practice, that could make a huge difference to patients under their care,” said Mr. McConkey. “Whether that means being inspired to develop a new service; reviewing and updating local guidelines based on new evidence learned; deciding to create and present your first poster at a local event; or sharing highlights from EAUN20 to your colleagues back home; these make attending the meeting a worthwhile and valuable experience.”
Check out the programme on the website and register online before the early fee deadline of 16 January!