Insights on HOT TP biopsy and complex dynamics

Hands-on Training (HOT) course
The HOT course “ESU/EAUN Hands-on Training course for nurses in transperineal prostate biopsy for nurses” at EAUN23 was the first of its kind organised for nurses at the annual EAUN Meeting. Apart from the actual hands-on training the course also gave a lot of information on the preparation and the road to becoming a specialised nurses performing Transperineal prostate (TP) biopsy. One of the lectures  was entitled “Nurse-led diagnostics: Early learning curve for TP biopsies and setting up a regional TP service”, in which Ms. Grace Zisengwe (GB) explained when she began and how she learned to perform TP biopsy. She shared her history as a registered nurse until she became a nurse practitioner, as well as the development of her tasks within the urology department. Nowadays, advanced nurses and nurse practitioners are performing TP systematic and MRI-targeted biopsies, not only in the UK, but also in other European countries.

This HOT course for nurses should be offered more frequently as more and more nurses will be needed to perform TP biopsies in their daily practice in future.

State-of-the-art Lecture 5
During Lecture 5, “The complex dynamics between nurses, patients, and carers”, Dr. Alex King (GB) explained the complicated interactions and dynamics with challenging carers/families. Patients, nurses and doctors can find themselves in different roles. They can play the role of a victims with a “poor-me” mentality. They might have the “I must help you” mindset of rescuers, or the “It’s your fault” reasoning of the persecutors type. It’ is important to be aware of these roles that people involved in the dynamics in the health care setting may be trapped in. Key message: In the end the focus and end goal should always be a clear and healthy communication pattern.