get the highest level of care.
March is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in the UK. When it spreads and cannot be cured, it is called metastatic prostate cancer. People with metastatic prostate cancer often need extra support.
By listening to patients and looking at data, the team here at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre noticed that not all metastatic prostate cancer patients could get help from a Clinical Nurse Specialist, or CNS. A CNS acts as a link between the patient and their family and doctors, gives practical and emotional support, and makes sure patients get the very best care.
Only 38% of patients had access to this support. Those that did reported they felt more positive, they were more satisfied with their care and they managed their symptoms better than those who didn’t.
So our team worked to change this.
Led by Prostate Cancer CNS Helen Blackmore (pictured right), Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) Sarah Jones (pictured centre), Elaine Deeming, Dr Shaun Tolan and the wider prostate team, alongside Clatterbridge’s Clinical Audit Team, collaborators and partners, a model was developed whereby every patient with metastatic prostate cancer receives the support of a dedicated CNS.
This has made a massive difference and now 100% of our patients report having access to CNS support.
Patients feel more satisfied, have fewer unmet needs, and get better help for tiredness, emotional health, and sexual issues. They find it easier to get information and care. Patients and their families call the care “exceptional” and appreciate the comfort and support from the CNS team. More workshops and support groups are available to patients, with plans to add even more.
Doctors and medical teams working with these patients also say communication is better, side effects are managed more quickly, and care is more focused on what patients need, improving their quality of life.
Helen and her team are also taking their work outside of our centres - influencing national conversations and sharing learning to support others to improve prostate cancer care.
Helen (pictured along with Urology CNS Emily Adam (left) and Sarah Jones) said: “People diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer often require enhanced support and I’m delighted that all our patients now have access to that.
“The team and I are dedicated to continuously improving the care and support we offer to our patients. There are lots of opportunities to expand our resources in the future and we’re really excited to provide even more support to those that need it."
