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Hamilton, Georgina (2010) Advanced nursing practice and new nursing roles – systematic review. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: This systematic review examines the effectiveness of specialist nurse-led clinics in follow up cancer care since the publication of the NHS Cancer Plan (2000), aiming to explain how recommendations for nurse-led follow-up have developed in national policy.

Background: Nurse-led follow-up in the UK developed in specialties such as cardiology and endocrinology however has only been apparent in oncology from the early 1990s. Patient satisfaction and acceptance with the service has risen, however nurse-led follow-up was not mentioned in NHS plans for cancer reform. Recently, policies have recommended nurse-led follow-up, detailing plans to improve follow-up to reduce inequalities in cancer.

Methods: Strict systematic methodology was used; the search strategy was developed and implemented with inclusion and exclusion criteria to obtain all studies of relevance. The participants were adult patients receiving cancer follow-up; the intervention being specialist nurse-led follow-up. The outcomes measured are patient satisfaction, patient acceptability, symptom free survival, survival rates, quality of life, psychological morbidity, contact with health professionals and cost.

Results: There was a high level of patient satisfaction in all methods of follow-up combined with a high level of acceptability of nurse-led care. Compared to conventional follow-up there was no statistically significant difference concerning survival rate and quality of life, however emotional and social functioning was raised in nurse-led follow-up. Aspects of symptom control and management was increased in nurse-led follow-up, with unnecessary contact with health professionals reduced, resulting in a probable reduction in cost.

Discussion: The results explain the evidence behind the positive contribution of specialist nurses in cancer follow-up. This has resulted in changes in recommendation of alternatives methods of follow-up in the Cancer Reform Strategy (2007, 2009)

Conclusion: Specialist nurse-led follow-up was found to be as effective and safe as conventional methods, with positive improvements in cost, symptom control and quality of life.

Item Type:	Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Depositing User:	EP, Services
Date Deposited:	01 Feb 2011 09:50
Last Modified:	24 Jan 2018 17:48
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/23633

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