Creating an evidence-based pediatric urology advanced practice provider orientation program

Abstract

The authors sought to understand the background and training of pediatric urology advanced practice providers (APP) to create an orientation program that improves APP preparation for subspecialization in pediatric urology. Obtaining these data will allow for the development of an evidence-based approach to educating the new pediatric urology APP at a national level. An anonymous survey was sent to the 331 members of the Pediatric Urology Nurses & Specialists (PUNS) professional organization to assess the qualities of orientation and training at institutions across the nation. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the results of the survey for this group of participants. A total of 49 participants (15% response rate) participated in this survey. Most participants reported completion of a one to three-month orientation program (57.2%) that was moderately structured (57.1%). The overall mean self-rating of preparedness was 6.2 out of 10 at the conclusion of their training. However, this rating varied between participants who had training programs under and over three months duration (p < .001). Most respondents felt that they were not optimally prepared to enter the field. The survey results show that longer training programs (at least three months) lead to higher levels of self-assuredness. The pediatric urology APP orientation program at the authors' institution will be adjusted to meet the concerns of the survey participants to ensure a more equipped team of advanced practice providers. The authors hope that this will serve as a guideline for institutions across the country to train pediatric urology APPs.