Systemic therapy and the urologic oncologist: a unique opportunity for the specialty to provide comprehensive care that ultimately benefits the patient.
The changing healthcare environment will demand greater integration and coordination of care for patients. By incorporating systemic therapies into the practice of urologic oncology, our specialty has the opportunity to take the lead in this initiative. By learning how to deliver these therapies to patients in need, urologic oncologists likely will improve communication and trust, as patients often will already have a long and positive relationship with their urologist. In turn, this will likely lead to increased satisfaction with care and possibly improved outcomes. The development of comprehensive urologic oncology practices that include the administration of systemic therapy will maintain the relevance of the specialty and ultimately benefit our patients.
Department of Urologic Surgery, Vanderbilt University and the VA Tennessee Valley Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA. david.penson@vanderbilt.edu
David F
DF
Penson
Paul H
PH
Lange
D003142:Communication; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D035502:Trust; D014571:Urologic Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D014572:Urology / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends