Report by Ergül Aslan, PhD, Professor – ICS Observership Fellow 2025
The International Continence Society’s Observership Programme continues to offer unique, hands-on learning experiences for clinicians and researchers worldwide. In October 2025, Professor Ergül Aslan from Istanbul University–Cerrahpaşa completed a one-month placement at the Urogynaecology Department of King’s College Hospital, London—an experience she describes as both professionally enriching and academically transformative.
A Comprehensive Look at Multidisciplinary Urogynaecology Care
Hosted by Consultant Nurse Dr Angie Rantell, Prof Aslan observed a full spectrum of urogynaecological services. The department’s holistic, evidence-based approach to pelvic floor disorders, prolapse, and incontinence provided an exemplary model of integrated care. She noted the seamless collaboration among nurses, physiotherapists, midwives, and physicians—all working within a patient-centred framework supported by rigorous documentation and clear communication with patients and their GPs.
Throughout her placement, Prof Aslan observed nurse-led clinics, physiotherapy programmes, urodynamics and videourodynamics testing, cystoscopy and colposcopy procedures, pessary management, intravesical therapies, and multidisciplinary team (MDT) decision-making. She highlighted the clinic’s strong emphasis on patient education, informed consent, cultural sensitivity, and maintaining safety and professionalism at every stage of care.
Highlights from Clinical Rotations
Prof Aslan’s schedule allowed her to follow staff across multiple units and roles:
- Nurse-led clinics: She witnessed advanced practice nursing at its best, including comprehensive assessments, pelvic examinations, bladder retraining, prescribing, pessary management, PTNS, and extensive patient counselling.
- Gynaecology outpatient services: A blend of conservative, pharmacological, and surgical care pathways offered insight into personalised treatment planning.
- Urodynamics laboratories: She observed both standard and videourodynamic testing, learning how findings are used to guide management.
- Physiotherapy and perineal clinics: Specialist physiotherapists and midwives provided targeted interventions for pelvic floor dysfunction and postpartum perineal trauma, supported by structured education and follow-up.
- MDT meetings: Participation in weekly evening meetings demonstrated how collaborative decision-making enhances patient outcomes.
- Community education: She attended face-to-face and online classes that empowered patients with knowledge on bladder health and pelvic floor function.
Her observership also extended beyond King’s College Hospital, including surgical observations at Princess Royal University Hospital, outpatient activities at Orpington Hospital, and participation in pelvic assessment skills laboratories at Brunel University.
Reflections on Professional Growth
Prof Aslan emphasised the strength of nurse autonomy within the UK model, the effective integration of physiotherapy into routine care, and the outstanding teamwork that underpins high-quality urogynaecology services. The experience, she noted, has broadened her academic outlook and will greatly contribute to developing advanced practice nursing and multidisciplinary education in her home institution.
Gratitude and Acknowledgements
Prof Aslan expressed her sincere appreciation to Dr Angie Rantell and the entire Urogynaecology team at King’s College Hospital for their generous mentorship and warm hospitality. She also thanked the ICS and its sponsors for supporting her participation in the Observership Programme.
The ICS Observership Programme continues to strengthen global collaboration, enhance clinical skills, and support the next generation of leaders in pelvic floor health.
Find out more about the ICS Observership Programme here applications for 2026 will be opening in March 2026.