"Our nurse is the glue for our team" - Multidisciplinary team members' experiences and perceptions of the gynaecological oncology specialist nurse role

Evaluation of the role of the clinical Nurse Specialist in cancer care: an integrative literature review

“…The findings of this integrative literature review identified areas which could be improved related to the role of the CNS in cancer care. These areas included ensuring adequate staffing of services provided by CNSs (Droog et al, 2014) and a clear definition of the boundaries of the role to minimise overlap with other healthcare professionals (Cook et al, 2019 Action Team, 2012). The findings of this literature review provide further evidence of the positive outcomes associated with the role of the CNS in cancer care and the need for all individuals with a cancer diagnosis to have access to a CNS.…”

“…Griffiths et al (2013) reported individuals with a range of cancers felt the CNS saw their cancer in the context of the person's whole life, rather than just a set of symptoms, highlighting the holistic and supportive approach of the CNS role. The CNS was reported to provide emotional support and reassurance in challenging communicative scenarios such as sharing test results with men with prostate cancer (Ream et al, 2009) and to women with gynaecological cancers and their families (Cook et al, 2019). Bereaved carers of individuals with a range of cancers reported the CNS was viewed as a confidante as they did not wish to burden other family members with their concerns (Borland et al, 2014).…”

“…Medical consultants from across four Health and Social Care Trusts in the UK reported the pressure was eased on their role as CNS's substituted for them in running nurse-led clinics for individuals with prostate cancer (Ream et al, 2009). Using an online qualitative survey, the role of the CNS was evaluated positively by healthcare professionals such as medical staff, nurses, social workers, dieticians and psychologists in caring for individuals with gynaecological cancer, with reports the CNS was the 'glue of the team' (Cook et al, 2019).…”

“…In addressing the secondary aim of this literature review, the final key component associated with the role of the CNS role in cancer care identified in the included papers in this literature review, related to the CNS being a continuous and accessible healthcare professional who could improve access to services. This was acknowledged by patients (Jeyarajah et al, 2009), carers (Borland et al, 2014), colleagues of the CNS (Cook et al, 2019) and also the CNS (Ream et al, 2009). To achieve this, the CNS used their advanced skills to accurately assess the patient, with appropriate timely referrals being made to other relevant services (Cook et al, 2019).…”

Perspectives of the sarcoma clinical nurse consultant role: A qualitative study

“…Monterosso et al (2016) surveyed and interviewed Coordinators in WA and found that key activities of Coordinators included patient advocacy, care management, and multidisciplinary care ( Monterosso et al, 2016 ). Members of gynaecological MDTs in Victoria outlined that Coordinators provided coordination, support, education, and clinical management and highlighted that the role was integral to the performance of their service ( Cook, McIntyre, Recoche, and Lee, 2019 ).…”