The experience of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the care of many cancer patients in a variety of ways. This study was conducted to understand the experience cancer patients have had during the pandemic. Method: Cancer patients who were under the care of the Trust between September 2020 – January 2021 were invited to take part in a survey sent through as a text message. Results: A total of 600 patients were sent a text message with a link to an online survey. There were 82 patients who responded. The data has been divided into three themes of information provision and safety around COVID-19, impact on cancer care and feeling supported by staff. Conclusion: It was encouraging to see that patients felt safe coming into the hospitals if it was required and they received appropriate information about changes to their care and how to protect themselves against COVID-19. Most patients stated that the pandemic had not influenced their cancer care. Of those that did experience delays most were understanding of this. There was a mixture of responses in terms of patients feeling supported by staff, most inpatients did feel supported and 75% of patients were able to contact their specialist nurse.

A systematic review on the effectiveness of clinician directed interventions to improve compliance to post polypectomy surveillance guidelines

Introduction Clinical practice guidelines recommend periodic colonoscopy surveillance following colorectal adenoma excision. Inappropriate use of post polypectomy surveillance is common and lead to improper resource utilisation.The aim of this review is to identify structured interventions which can affect post polypectomy surveillance practices and to evaluate the effectiveness of these various interventions in improving clinician adherence to post polypectomy surveillance guidelines. Methods A computerised search was performed to identify relevant studies between 1997 to November 2020. Two investigators identified eligible studies and extracted data independently. The quality of the included studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa risk of assessment scoring system. Results The search identified 5602 citations. Forty-one articles were retrieved for full text analysis and seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Compliance to PPS guidelines were higher following interventions which included medical education, specialist nurse coordinators facilitation, continuous quality improvement and clinical decision support systems. Conclusion This study demonstrates that medical education, specialist nurse coordinators, continuous quality improvement and clinical decision support systems are effective in improving clinicians’ compliance to post polypectomy surveillance guidelines and is associated with reduction in over- and underutilisation of colonoscopy surveillance resources.

Working to reduce the problem of thromboembolism in pregnant women

Ediscyll Lorusso, Senior Thrombosis Specialist Nurse Practitioner, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was awarded third place in the Nurse of the Year category in the BJN Awards 2021

Practical and nursing aspects of endocrine conditions

Endocrinology nursing is an ever-evolving specialty. This chapter provides expert and innovative practice-based nursing information. It provides nursing care for thyroid surgery and disorders, facilitating investigation and education about pituitary function and specialist nurse management of different conditions. Education on visual field deficits and minimum driving standards are covered. The full roles of the nurse in pituitary surgery is explained, from pre-op to post-op care. Diabetes insipidus is covered. Responsibilities and possible pathways for managing male fertility, testosterone replacement, and gender dysphoria are all described. Finally, role development and nurse led clinics are examined.

Career talk: advanced virology specialist nurse and postdoctoral researcher

In this interview, part of a series about the career pathways of experienced gastrointestinal specialists, Sara Santos speaks with Kathryn Jack

EP.WE.197Feasibility of a remotely supervised exercise programme

Aim To assess feasibility of a novel remotely-supervised exercise programme at a vascular hub during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods Participants with arterial claudication (ABPI <0.90) who were able to walk 50m were enrolled into a 3-month programme by a vascular specialist nurse. The initial appointment addressed smoking cessation and best medical therapy. Baseline walking distance, ABPI and quality of life (QoL) were measured using the Intermittent Claudication Questionnaire. Following this, up to 8 WhatsApp video calls with a vascular specialist physiotherapist were undertaken to provide a tailored exercise programme. The Mapmywalk© App, or a pedometer, were used to monitor walking distances. Participants were instructed to record their daily longest walk and email results to their physiotherapist before each consultation. Results 12 participants were enrolled, of these 2 participants were unsuitable. Median age was 63 years and 2 (20%) were female. Baseline median ABPI was 0.7 (IQR 0.5-0.8), median baseline absolute walking distance was 75m (IQR 50-140) and median baseline QoL was 51/80 (IQR 15-79). 7 participants (70%) successfully completed the programme and were discharged. Their median daily longest walk was 2000m (IQR 200-4000) and QoL scores improved to 6/80 (IQR 2-20) (p = 0.02). Remaining 3 participants required revascularisation for disease progression. Reimbursement tariffs for the supervised exercise programme were £700 per patient, whereas for revascularisation were £2000 - £5000. Conclusion Remotely supervised exercise was feasible and improved walking distance and quality of life in 70% of participants. Approximately £3000 per patient was saved from a reduction in revascularisation procedures in our unit.

Role of Nurses in the Management of Common Gynecological Diseases: Recent Advances

In recent years the role of the specialist nurse with respect to gynecology and women’s health has gained significant importance. The advancement in the nursing practice has provided an insight to interact with patients to explore their history. Such hysteroscopy procedures may not only give a better feel to the patient but also explore the need for doctor treatment. The review updates about the ongoing advances in the field of nursing science to upgrade the life of patients with gynecological diseases. Evidence has suggested the promising role of nurses to motivate patients with improved health after the treatment. The present review will cover the various health issues of women including menstrual dysfunction, fertility, and management of pregnancy’s termination, uro-gynecological issues, and gyne-oncology, etc. The role of nurses during the above health issue will be discussed via various procedures. Therefore, the present review will conclude the significant importance of nurses in women’s health issues to sustain happiness and to strengthen the need to bring advances in the curriculum of nurses to full fill the requirement of medical staff.