EAUN20: “A worthwhile and valuable experience”
Look forward to innovations in urological nursing and multidisciplinary collaborations at the upcoming 21st International EAUN Meeting (EAUN20). In this article, an esteemed member of the EAUN Scientific Congress Office, Mr. Robert McConkey, and a respected member of the EAUN Special Interest Group Bladder Cancer, Ms. Kathryn Chatterton, 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 cover topics such as 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.
HOT courses
Based on the positive feedback received at EAUN19, the ESU/ESUT – EAUN Hands-on Training (HOT) in Flexible cystoscopy will be preceding the 3-day Scientific Programme once again. A small fee applies for this training course that will take place on Friday, 20 March, 14.00 – 17.30 hrs. There are only 24 places available.
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 of anatomy and physiology to deepen nurses’ knowledge of 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.
The EAUN20 Scientific Committee is also preparing a new HOT course “The Essentials 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. A very interesting practical course for nurses that have not been in urology very long, but also for more experienced nurses that wish to exchange differences in practice with other nurse specialists. The course will take place in cooperation with the industry, that will hopefully provide the required equipment and materials, so watch out for updates on the confirmation of this course!
Making a difference
“EAUN20 has a so much to offer; if each delegate could take home just one thing they’ve learned and made 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!