The incidence of prostate cancer in Scotland continues to grow; men are now living with their disease which can be seen as an increased burden for the health service and in particular the Uro-Oncology team which delivers its treatment and manage its follow up.
A new model of follow up was established for men who have received treatment for prostate cancer, replacing conventional outpatient clinic. The virtual prostate cancer follow-up clinic was set up for men who are 2 years post radiotherapy with stable prostate-specific antigen. The aim of this follow up was to improve the patient experience of living with prostate cancer and reduce the high demand to the service. A successful bid to Macmillan allowed a nurse to be employed by the department for a 3-year project post. The aim of this role was to develop the prostate cancer follow-up clinic and evaluate this new way of working. Method A questionnaire was designed to obtain the views of the patients who were recipients of care and treatment from the clinical nurse specialist rather than the oncologist. The questionnaire was sent to all 302 men recruited to this new clinic. The patients were asked six questions which focused on support/communication, problems experienced and improvement. Results for 191 questionnaires were returned out of the 302 questionnaires sent, giving a 63·2% response rate. About 98% was very happy with the new service, 98·8% of patients reported being well supported by this new service. The success of this new follow-up system will allow us to use this model for men post prostatectomy and receiving hormone suppression treatment. The role of the uro-oncology nurse is vital to ensure that this clinic continues to be effective and give positive outcomes for patients with prostate cancer and the team involved in their journey.
Written by:
Robertson AF, Windsor PM, Smith A Are you the author?
NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK
Reference: Intl J Urol Nurs. Sept 13, 2012 (Epub ahead of print)
doi: 10.1111/j.1749-771X.2012.01161.x
