Mr. Lin and the AS clinical team evaluated the impact of the APP-directed service by focusing on patient outcomes, comparing the APPs (n=153) and their mentor urologist (n=1425). Outcomes of interest included biopsy-related complications and patient acceptance of APP-perfumed biopsies. Between 2000 and 9/2019, 2341 patients had AS FU visits with 1333 biopsies. Overall biopsy complications rates were low with up to 1.5% of infectious complications with only 1 documented case attributed to an APP. Overall, no differences between the two providers. Another interesting finding was no meaningful differences between “no-show” visits when comparing visits by APPs and those by the urologist, indicating patient acceptance of APP-performed biopsies.
In summary, the Sloan Kettering APP-lead AS clinics had very positive outcomes with neither no significant differences in disease assessment nor higher rate of complications when compared to urologist practice. These services were well-received by patients. This lecture highlights the expanding role of APPs in urology practices.
Presented by: Xin Lin (Kenny) MS, RN, AGNP-BC, OCN, Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Written by: Diane Newman, DNP, ANP-BC, Adjunct Professor of Urology in Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania and Co-Director of the Penn Center for Continence and Pelvic Health
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