Understanding the practice nurse’s role in the cancer care tapestry

Background: The are currently 2 million people in the UK living with or<br/>after cancer, and this number is expected to double by 2030 (Maddams et<br/>al, 2012). However, many report unmet physical and psychological needs.<br/><br/>Aim: To determine the learning needs of practice nurses to take on an<br/>enhanced role with people affected by cancer, particularly after primary<br/>treatment, and to develop a course to meet these needs. <br/><br/>Method: The Macmillan Steering Group designed and developed a course for practice<br/>nurses to identify their learning needs, enabling participating practice<br/>nurses to work collaboratively with each other and the course facilitator.<br/>There was strong patient involvement throughout. The course was<br/>evaluated by self-assessment of knowledge, skills and confidence, patient<br/>satisfaction questionnaires and in-depth, qualitative telephone interviews<br/>with the participants and their supporting GPs. <br/><br/>Results: The practice nurses reported changed practice, with increased confidence in discussing<br/>issues relating to cancer and its treatment with patients and relatives.<br/>They understood the importance of supported self-management and were<br/>able to signpost patients to appropriate sources of information and<br/>support. Many of the practice nurses started initiating and undertaking<br/>Cancer Care Reviews, both as planned appointments and opportunistically.<br/>Over the past year, a further nine pilots have been completed throughout<br/>the UK, demonstrating that these results are reproducible in other settings.<br/><br/>Conclusions: With appropriate support and training and protected time<br/>to include cancer care into their everyday work, practice nurses can take<br/>on an important role in the support and care of people affected by cancer