P3.07-07 Multidisciplinary Supportive Care Assessment in Lung Cancer – A Case Study Example

Abstract

7 CCG's/HB were surveyed to ask how and why they would contact a LCNS; any difficulties experienced contacting a LCNS and what support the LCNS could provide. 86 (72%) responded. 27 patients and their carers from 5 NHS/HB who were admitted as an emergency with a symptom related to their lung cancer were interviewed by a LCNS. A questionnaire was sent to all NLCFN members, asking "What do you do in your current practice to help prevent avoidable emergency hospital attendances?" Result: There was no published literature specific to the project aim. 46 (53%) PCP's knew how to contact the LCNS, 24 (28%) did not and 16 (19%) were unaware the service existed. PCP's reported that the LCNS could improve communication and provide education and specialist advice to help reduce avoidable emergency admissions. Following review by the LCNS, 25 (92%) of emergency admissions were deemed necessary. 2 (8%) patients contacted 999, with the rest seeking advice from the LCNS, Acute Oncology Service or GP prior to admission. 282 NLCFN members were surveyed with 59 respondents. Findings highlighted wide variations in practice, although a number of common themes were evident. Proactive communication with patients and HCP's and timely referrals and signposting were key to identifying and addressing potential problems as early as possible. Conclusion: This small data sample suggests that patients were admitted appropriately. The NLCFN survey highlighted the role of the LCNS in providing expert specialist knowledge and advice to patients and Health Care Professionals throughout the patients journey. PCP's expressed that they would like to know more about the role of the LCNS and would value better means of communication, advice and specialist support to improve patient care.Background: Communicating a diagnosis of mesothelioma is complex and highly skilled 1, 2 . If done badly, 'it can cause long lasting distress, confusion and resentment' 1 . Receiving A DIagnosis Of MESOthelioma (RADIO Meso) is a qualitative research project designed to identify ways to improve patient and family carer experience of receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis by generating evidence based recommendations for practice. This abstract provides an overview of the findings and a summary of recommendations. Method: The study utilised a descriptive qualitative approach. Individual telephone interviews were conducted with people who had experience of giving or receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma. This included patients, family carers (N¼16) and health care professionals (N¼16). Two separate focus groups were also carried out with patients and carers (N¼27) and mesothelioma nurse specialists (N¼15). A national web-based consultation with staff and patients/ family carers was then undertaken. Interview recruitment and the consultation were conducted via electronic mailshots and social media run by Mesothelioma UK, the National Lung Cancer Forum for Nurses and British Thoracic Oncology Group. analysis methods were used 3 . Result: The findings provide an in-depth understa...