2026 APP Forum-APP Forum Part 3

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Diane Newman delivered a wide-ranging talk on bladder health, pelvic floor dysfunction, and practical assessment strategies for urology patients, especially those with GU cancers. She emphasized that lower urinary tract symptoms are common across the lifespan and in both men and women, and that clinicians should routinely ask about urinary symptoms, bowel habits, pelvic pain, sexual function, and posture/voiding behaviors. She demonstrated how to assess pelvic floor contraction through digital vaginal or rectal exam, noting that many patients cannot isolate the correct muscles without instruction or feedback.  <br /><br />She also highlighted research showing the impact of childbirth, menopause, prostate treatment, and aging on continence, and discussed bladder-health education, voiding habits, and toilet behavior. Newman stressed that many women avoid public bathrooms, delay voiding, or hover rather than sit, behaviors that may affect bladder function and quality of life. She described her work developing educational tools, including classes, videos, recordings, and QR-code resources for patient self-management.  <br /><br />The session then shifted into a panel discussion about advanced practice providers (APPs) in urology. Speakers discussed mentorship, structured onboarding, procedural training, billing, call burden, contracts, non-competes, and the importance of clear roles and practice culture. A major theme was that APPs are more effective and more satisfied when supported by strong leadership, standardized training, and inclusion in business decisions. The group agreed that APPs should be valued for both clinical and operational contributions, not just revenue generation, and that future education should include both procedures and the business of urology.

Keywords

bladder health

pelvic floor dysfunction

urology patients

lower urinary tract symptoms

urinary symptoms

digital pelvic exam

continence

voiding habits

bladder education

pelvic pain

sexual function

advanced practice providers

urology mentorship

APP onboarding