Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
Walker S.; Lamonby V.; Orwin R.; *McAdam J.; Bate G.; Vick J.; Elrick N.; Shepherd P.; Flint A.; Dalrymple P.

Citation:
Lung Cancer. Conference: 21st Annual British Thoracic Oncology Group Conference 2023. Belfast United Kingdom. 178(Supplement 1) (pp S76), 2023. Date of Publication: April 2023.

Abstract:
Aims: Distress Thermometer (DT) tool compares LCNS' clinical judgment of patients' psychological distress to patients' self-reported assessment. Method(s): Few studies examine nurses' abilities assessing distress in patients, only one focusing lung cancer. They suggest Nurse Specialists within cancer settings struggle identifying distress using clinical judgement. The Distress Thermometer, a self-reported validated tool, can be used to screen for distress in cancer patients, but cannot replace comprehensive assessment. LCNUK members were surveyed May 2022. 44% used validated assessment tools and 75% confirmed these influenced management. LCNS each assessed 12 patients using The Distress Thermometer, face to face or telephone, occurring following first patient contact. The LCNS used DT tool assessing their perception of patient's distress level. Patients were asked to assess themselves using the same tool. Result(s): 45% assessments scored were identical 36.7% LCNS scored higher than patient 18.3% LCNS scored lower than patient 68.3% LCNS assessments within one DT point of patient Average difference of score between patient and LCNS was 0.4. 93.8% telephone assessments within 1 DT point 54.5% F2F assessments within 1 DT point Conclusion(s): LCNS's have excellent clinical judgement assessing patient distress, comparable to patient's self-assessment in most cases.

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
Roberts J.; Barton P.; Clayton K.; Fenemore J.; Ivey S.; *McAdam J.; Shepherd P.

Citation:
Lung Cancer. Conference: 20th Annual British Thoracic Oncology Group Conference 2022. Virtual, Online. 165(Supplement 1) (pp S40), 2022. Date of Publication: March 2022.

Abstract:
Introduction: Lung cancer specialist nursing is a varied, valuable and rewarding career, and the need for lung cancer nurse specialists (LCNS) is increasing. Lung Cancer Nursing UK (LCNUK) wants to encourage nurses to aspire to becoming an LCNS, and to support those already working in lung cancer teams to flourish professionally. We want employers to recognise LCNS' capabilities and to recruit and reward them accordingly. LCNUK therefore set out to draft the first professional development framework for LCNS. The Framework is intended to guide nurses, line managers and employers on the core skills, knowledge and expertise that LCNS will gain and demonstrate as they progress in role. Method(s): LCNUK convened a working group which reviewed exemplars and supporting literature. The team produced a draft framework setting out the qualifications, skills and capabilities needed by nurses operating at different levels, aligned with the (Figure Presented) four pillars of advanced practice. Feedback on the draft was sought from expert stakeholders before the final document was approved by the LCNUK Steering Committee. The Framework was developed in a collaboration between LCNUK and MSD, who funded a policy consultancy to provide secretariat support. LCNUK retained editorial independence of the framework content. Result(s): The Framework sets out the qualifications, clinical skills, knowledge, leadership and management and research capabilities that LCNUK expects aspiring and existing LCNS to demonstrate or be working towards. It includes case studies of nurses' career journeys and an example of a successful case for job matching and re-banding. The Framework is available on the LCNUK website at www.lcnuk.org. Conclusion(s): The Framework asserts the crucial role of LCNS in managing safety-critical and complex patient care and in leading service delivery and improvement. We hope it will prove a valuable tool to nurses, employers and policymakers in understanding the complexity and importance of this essential role.