The past 10 years have shown a rapidly shifting climate within cancer care. Early detection and screening programs as well as increased access and utilisation of treatment for cancer patients has resulted in patients living longer with their disease. This has increased the number of patients accessing the Mid Norh Coast Cancer Institute (MNCCI) services for ongoing treatment and management in a parallel extended time period.
In response to the increasing demand and acuity of patients requiring outpatient treatment for their cancer, the Nuse Practitioner 6-Month Pilot was established.
The role targeted four service gaps within the MNCCI.
- Telephone Triage Program - Introduced utilizing the UKONS telephone triage tool to enhance ED avoidance
- Symptom and Urgent Review Clinic (SURC) -Structured sustainable nurse led clinic for the MNCCI PMBH
- NP Led treatment room reviews
- ED Fast Track service - collaboration with ED to facilitate instigation of treatment
The data collected throughout this pilot highlighted the gap identified within out outpatient service was being fulfilled along with increased patient, carer and colleague satisfaction.