Endocrine Abstracts

Background: The Birmingham Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) service has a full time dedicated NET Dietitian for outpatient and inpatient care since August 2020. An anonymised survey of patient experience was performed to identify ways in which we can improve the service for patients. 87 potential patients were identified. 8 had passed away. 79 questionnaires were sent out. 38 were returned via a self-addressed envelope.

Results: • 53% of patients were first referred to the NET Dietitian by NET CNS’, 34% by a NET consultant, 8% were walk-ins in clinic, 2.6% requested a Dietitian review whilst the remaining 2.6% first met the NET Dietitian in hospital.

• 97% of patients found the time between referral and first consultation was acceptable. 39% of patients were seen face to face, whilst 61% were spoken to over the telephone. This was prominently due to the Covid 19 pandemic. 89% found the way in which the first consultation was carried out was suitable.

• When asked if the NET Dietitian was knowledgeable about their condition, 26% completely agreed, 53% of agreed whilst 21% were ‘in-between’ agreeing and disagreeing.

• When asked if the NET Dietitian put them at ease and made them feel comfortable to talk freely as well as listened to their concerns and needs, 51.5% completely agreed, 43.5% agreed, 3.8% were in between and 2.6% disagreed.

• When asked if the NET dietitian’s advice was tailored to them and their lifestyle, 39% completely agreed, 45% agreed whilst 13% were in between.

• 97% of patients felt they had sufficient time to speak to the NET Dietitian and 53% of patients felt the care they received from the NET Dietitian improved their overall health.

• 29% felt the frequency of stools improved a lot, 45% said the consistency of their stools improved a lot, 37% reported an improvement in the colour of their stools by a lot. Other areas which patients reported an improvement included wind/ bloating, abdominal pain, weight gain, range of foods eaten, vitamin and mineral levels, quality of life and finally mental health.

• Only 2.6% of the respondents were from non-native, reflecting our population.