• B Benton, C Norton, J O Lindsay, S Dolan, and H J N Andreyev.
• Gastrointestinal Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
• Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). 2011 Oct 1; 23 (8): 538-51.

AimsAbout 17,000 patients receive radiotherapy for pelvic cancer in the UK annually. Up to 50% are left with altered bowel function affecting quality of life. The UK National Cancer Survivorship Initiative Vision acknowledges that the needs of cancer survivors are not being met and challenges professionals to develop new models of care.Materials And MethodsA prospective, observational qualitative study was carried out to assess whether nurse-delivered care is feasible for patients with radiotherapy-induced bowel dysfunction. The experience of a senior nurse, directed by an algorithm of investigation with a comprehensive treatment pathway, is reported.ResultsOver 12 months, 59 new and 103 follow-up appointments were managed by the nurse. In total, 37 women and 73 men, with a median age of 69 years, were seen; 9 had been treated for gastrointestinal, 33 for gynaecological and 68 for urological cancers, 26 months (median) previously. Sixty minutes (new consultations) (median, range 35-80) and 40 minutes (follow-up consultations) (range 20-85) were required. Ordering investigations, treatment initiation, long-term care planning and discharge seemed to be manageable in 83% of patients.ConclusionAn experienced nurse, working within a defined scope of practice, with medical support can manage care in patients with mild or moderate symptoms arising after pelvic radiotherapy. An ongoing randomised controlled trial is assessing patient outcomes.Copyright © 2011 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

25 keywords...

hide…