EAUN24: Travel grant reports

This year, I think more emphasis was placed on presentations that focused on sexuality. In several of the sessions, it was emphasised from studies how important it is for patients and relatives to be well informed about surgical procedures and treatment, particularly, the implications on life afterwards, and the risk of sexual dysfunction.

Talking about quality of life (QoL), several lectures reported studies of how important and crucial it is for the nurse to know what the treatment means for the individual patient and the relative(s). Concerning sexual challenges, the nurse needs to know what is essential to couples. For many nurses, it is a bit challenging to start a conversation about sexuality and perhaps to a particular extent if it concerns a homosexual man or couple. Studies show that it is necessary to talk about sexuality. Typically, anal sex requires a strong erection, which after prostate cancer surgery can be difficult to achieve. There is a need, and the recommendation is to ask the patient what is important to them and their partner. They will be very happy to answer.

The lecture by Ms. Susan Mullerworth (NL): “The impact of a cystectomy in a patient’s life”, made a big impression on me. She told us that she had not realised how many consequences her cancer and surgery had on her life. She recommended to inform patients about what other organs are likely to be removed and the impact this had on their body, soul, sexuality, work, relationship with spouse/cohabitant, children, sports activities, holidays, excursions, etc. She would have found it beneficial if someone had told her that she would not look and feel like she used to and what considerations arise from this, such as: “What clothes can I wear?”, “How many diapers/bags should I bring?”, “How should I store it”? Susan started by saying to herself: “First the cancer must be removed – then live”. She told us that it is not enough to say that sex does not matter. Because it does.

The key message I gained from EAUN24 is that patients need much more information. We need to organise much more time for that, but we also need to discuss how we do it, when our workdays are as busy as they are.

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Ms. Anna Cecilie K. Jørgensen, Dept. of Urology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev (DK)

As a nurse and sexologist, I was looking very much forward to the EAUN24 scientific programme full of topics regarding sexology, sexual health, and andrology. The content of this year’s programme was a sign that patient sexual health is now getting more attention, and that we as nurses are aware that this issue is of big importance to the patient and their partner. This is an area where nurses have a big role to play. This is about quality of life, communication, information and pre- and rehabilitation. And we are good at that! We can be even better by research, guidelines and sharing our knowledge. That is what collaborating at the Annual EAUN Meeting is all about. 

I have been attending for a few years now, and I have always done a mix between the nursing programme, and the doctors programme (EAU24). This year I found the nurses programme so interesting that I stayed in the little green EAUN-corner of the very big venue during all three days. On day one, I attended the thematic session “Improving sexual health before and after prostate cancer treatment”. I learned a lot from this session. All four presenters were focused on how to best counsel and communicate with the patient, so that he ends up at the best possible place independent of treatment outcome.

Regarding erectile recovery following radical prostatectomy, research showed us, that exercise is important. I have often been asked by men “what can I myself do to better my erection”? Now I know how to answer that question. The speaker also said something that I strongly agree with – As I remember: “I don’t care about what treatment the patient is offered and how it is done. I care about what it does to the patient, and how we can help him cope with that”.

Another presentation examined if a 4-week prehabilitation programme was feasible for men who are underwent nerve-sparing prostatectomy. There is no best-practice evidence regarding prehabilitation, but it was suggested that programmes should focus on holistic person centred care – one size doesn’t fit all. Involvement of a partner can be important and sexual health should be the primary outcome.

Also featured were two subjects that I myself sometimes find difficult but important to focus on in daily practice: libido in men undergoing either localised or advanced prostate cancer treatment, and supporting gay and bisexual men with prostate cancer. I had a lot of new knowledge and in-put on how to counsel and communicate. Don’t be afraid to ask about your patients sexual practices, but explain why you ask. You need the information in order to give relevant and individualised counselling.

All in all, EAUN24 was a great conference. I talked to other nurses, and I got information on who to contact regarding special topics and where to find more information. And then there was all the socialising going on outside the venue in spring time Paris too!

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Ms. Marguerite Duggan, Urology Clinical Nurse Manager/CNS, Galway Clinic Galway (IE)

I was delighted to be able to attend EAUN24 with the help of travel funding provided by the EAUN. This event brought together urological nursing specialists and professionals for insightful discussions and presentations in the beautiful setting of Paris.

Prior to the meeting, the EAUN hosted a nurse’s dinner, which was an excellent opportunity for colleagues from around the world to connect. EAUN24 covered a diverse range of topics, including sexual health, prostate cancer screening, gender disparities in bladder cancer, and the impact of cystectomy on quality of life (QoL).

Prostate cancer remains a significant concern and generated many topics of discussion over the weekend. I have a particular interest in this topic due to the work I have done in the past in relation to
patients undergoing RARP and patients that I currently provide care for. Experts discussed the care of patients before and after prostate cancer treatment. Sexual health for these patients is
paramount, emphasising early rehabilitation, patient education, and addressing sexual dysfunction. Partners’ involvement in discussions was recommended and to ask the question regarding sexual preferences. Partners’ involvement ensures a holistic approach, considering not only the patient’s needs but also the impact on their support system. Overall, it was suggested that pre surgery
interventions can improve post treatment outcomes. There were also interesting debates regarding prostate cancer screening and the need for a more formalised pathway for this screening and the importance of stopping ‘opportunistic screening’.

On day two there was further discussions regarding patient reported outcomes from a patient’s perspective, discussing decisional regret and unmet expectations following prostate cancer treatment. These discussions highlighted the importance of good pre treatment education and discussions with patients and partners and also the importance of providing patients with information about their condition, treatment options, and what to expect during treatment. This not only helps patients make informed decisions and actively participate in their care but also if they understand their treatment plan, they are more likely to adhere to it. Also, discussing treatment goals, potential side effects, and realistic expectations helps patients mentally prepare for the journey ahead.

During the meeting, attendees engaged in interactive panel discussions and Q&A sessions with urology and continence experts. This provided a valuable platform for urology nurses to share innovative ideas, standardise practices, and enhance the quality of urology care through collaboration and knowledge exchange. It was also a great opportunity for networking and advancing my own practice. Having this platform to engage and ask questions to experts is invaluable and one of the many reasons why I love attending these meetings. Many thanks again to the EAUN for making it
possible for me to attend EAUN24, and I look forward to hopefully being able to attend in Madrid, 2025.