posted on 2009-06-24, 15:26authored byCarolyn Clare Tarrant, Paul Sinfield, Shona Agarwal, Richard Baker
Background: Specialist nurses may play an important role in helping to improve the experiences
of patients with prostate cancer, however there is concern that the specialist nurse role is under
threat in the UK due to financial pressures in the NHS. This study explored the role and value of
specialist nurses in prostate cancer care via a survey and patient interviews.
Methods: This paper reports findings from two studies. A survey of patients from three hospitals
across the UK (289/481, 60%), investigated whether patients who saw a specialist nurse had
different experiences of information provision and involvement in decision-making, to those who
did not. Qualitative interviews were also carried out with 35 men recently tested or treated for
prostate cancer, recruited from two hospitals in the UK. Interviews explored patients' views on
the role and value of the specialist nurse.
Results: Survey findings indicated that patients who saw a specialist nurse had more positive
experiences of receiving written information about tests and treatment, and about sources of
advice and support, and were more likely to say they made the treatment decision themselves. In
interviews, patients described specialist nurse input in their care in terms of providing information
and support immediately post-diagnosis, as well as being involved in ongoing care. Two key aspects
of the specialist nurse role were seen as unique: their availability to the patient, and their ability to
liaise between the patient and the medical system.
Conclusion: This study indicates the unique role that specialist nurses play in the experience of
patients with prostate cancer, and highlights the importance of maintaining specialist nurse roles in
prostate cancer care.