Lung cancer treatment rates and the role of the lung cancer nurse specialist : a qualitative study

TOD, Angela Mary, REDMAN, Judy, MCDONNELL, Ann, BORTHWICK, Diana and WHITE, John (2015). Lung cancer treatment rates and the role of the lung cancer nurse specialist : a qualitative study. BMJ Open, 5 (12), e008587.

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Abstract

Objectives: This qualitative study examines how the Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist (LCNS) role operates and why they may be able to increase access to treatment. Setting: 4 Hospital NHS Foundation Trusts in England. Design: A multiple case study design using semistructured interviews, observation and Framework Analysis techniques. Participants: Four LCNSs, comprised the ‘cases’. Twenty four clinicians who worked with the LCNS participated in individual interviews. Six LCNSs took part in a group interview and 60 lung cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT) members and co-ordinators were observed in the MDT meeting. Results: The LCNS is crucial within the MDT and can act as a catalyst to patient access to treatment. The study identified the clinical activity (assessment, managing symptoms, psychological support and information provision) and role characteristics that can facilitate treatment access. These characteristics are the LCNS's presence across the patient pathway, acting as the ‘hub’ of the MDT, maintaining a holistic patient focus and working to an advanced level of practice. The findings indicate how factors may have a cumulative impact on treatment access. Conclusions: If UK patient with lung cancer survival rates are to improve in line with comparable countries, we need to employ every advantage. This study demonstrates how the LCNS role may open doors to positive patient outcomes, including treatment. Further research is required to explore patients’ experiences, decision-making and attitudes to treatment.

Item Type:	Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Centre for Health and Social Care Research
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008587
Page Range:	e008587
Depositing User:	Judy Redman
Date Deposited:	04 Aug 2016 13:05
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 05:00
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/12965

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