Endocrine Abstracts

The number of people diagnosed and living with cancer in the UK continues to rise and this also places increasing demands on specialist cancer care services (NHS England 2015). Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) incidence and prevalence increases alongside this demand (PHE 2016). NETs still remain a rare cancer with specialist needs and the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) team are ideally placed to support these patients. Oncology clinics are becoming increasingly pressured and the need to think of innovative ways of reducing pressure whilst maintaining and enhancing the patients experience is important. In order to address this we set up a nurse-led SACT NMP clinic alongside the oncology clinic to improve patient experience and reduce oncologist clinic review.

Aims/objective: To assess the impact of the NMP nurse-led clinic on the patient and the NET service.

Methodology: Questionnaires were sent out either via email or given in clinic to patients after 3 months of the nurse clinic starting. A questionnaire was also given to all oncologists within the clinic and also to the oncology pharmacist for analysis.

Results: 29 SACT NMP prescriptions for 15 patients were prescriptions. The nurse prescribed targeted agents (Sunitinib and Everolimus) and IV Chemotherapy regimes (Carbo/Etop, FCIST and FCarboSt). Patient Feedback: 14/15 completed patient experience questionnaire: Quality of nurse review Excellent- 84%, Confidence in Nurse knowledge- 100%. Patients felt involved in decision making- 100%. How satisfied were patients with experience- 57% extremely satisfies, 43% very satisfied. Clinician feedback: - Was safe practice observed – 100% yes, Was decision making by the NMP appropriate and safe – 100% yes. Felt more time for the medical team to review other patients – 100% yes.

Discussion: The experience for this nurse-led clinic is very positive; benefitting patients experience and consultants. The nurse felt increased satisfaction in her role taking part in this clinic. The audit highlights that with experienced NET CNS’ and NET physicians this is a viable model for enhancing patient care.