Endocrine Abstracts

Adult Neuroendocrine Cancer nursing is a highly specialised field where expertise in both knowledge and appropriate skills can make a significant contribution - ‘especially in the promotion and maintenance of high standards of practice, education for the patient’ and the application of safe evidence-based knowledge and skills ‘the patient requires when diagnosed with a rare disease’ (1). Whilst considered rare, Neuroendocrine Cancer has seen an exponential growth in incidence, in the UK - from approximately 2:100,000 in 2001 to 9.37:100,000 in 2017 (2). Studies have found that the presence of a specialist nurse has the potential to support a more positive patient experience (3). Yet, research suggests that many nurses, even those within the field, lack confidence in supporting those diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer (4). There is also an identified gap in nurse education regarding Neuroendocrine Cancers - the topic is not included in past or current oncology nurse curriculum, nor covered within other formal nursing education courses. Following on from the RCN accreditation of the Neuroendocrine Cancer Nurse Competency Framework, an online educational resource was proposed. A literature review and examination of available courses was undertaken. This led to the establishment of a faculty of specialist nurses, patient experts and AHPs to develop a programme of learning: an overview of Neuroendocrine Cancers with 4 site/system specific modules (to start) : Lung, Upper GI, Lower GI and Skin. The NCUK Academy aims to guide participants, from basic awareness to encouraging a deeper understanding of Neuroendocrine Cancers: enhancing knowledge, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. In Autumn 2021, the Academy - a competency-based, CPD accredited, modular programme - was launched. Formal evaluation of the programme is ongoing and further modules will be added over time.

1. Bouvier (2003) Nurse developments in neuroendocrine tumour management. Endocr Relat Cancer

2. White et al (2019) Incidence and prevalence of neuroendocrine neoplasms reported in England from 2015 to 2017. Endocrine Abstracts 68 OC3

3. Leyden et al (2020) Unmet needs in the international neuroendocrine tumor (NET) community. Int J Cancer

4. Davies et al (2017) Pilot electronic survey to assess education needs for Nurses in NETs throughout Europe. Neuroendocrinology