P22.04.B THE VALUE OF A NURSE CARE COORDINATOR WORKING WITH YOUNG BRAIN TUMOR PATIENTS IN THE NEUROSURGICAL OUTPATIENT CLINIC

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND When young people between 18-35 are diagnosed with a brain tumor, it often has significant impact on their lives. In that period the young person is often in their process of building their lives, with little to no mental preparation on perspectives towards end of life. The aim of this study is to measure the value of a Nurse Care Coordinator, working with young brain tumor patients in the Neurosurgical Outpatient Clinic. MATERIAL AND METHODS The Nurse Care Coordinators function is to support and guide the young patients, from getting the diagnosis with a brain tumor and through their disease and treatment. The Nurse Care Coordinator meets the young patient and relatives several times from before surgery, and for as long as needed, depending on the patients’ individual situation. The relation and interactions with the young patients are very individually approached. However, the fundamental approach to all young patients includes regular weekly phone calls, which eventually become monthly conversations or personal meetings in the Outpatient Clinic, all depending on the topic and young patient’s preferences. Areas where the Nurse Care Coordinator can assist the young patients includes general overviews of their disease and treatment course, assist where barriers may arise and ensuring correct rehabilitation for the young patients, offering an elaborating conversation on the diagnosis, or discuss solutions with external parties on behalf of the patient. To measure the value of the Nurse Care Coordinator, young patients (n=20) were provided with a questionnaire with four Likert scale items. In addition, they received a phone call from a Research Nurse, asking the open-ended question; “What is your opinion of the function of a Nurse Care Coordinator, and what are the areas where the Nurse Care Coordinator could carry out her role better or differently?” RESULTS Both the quantitative results from the questionnaire and the open-ended qualitative responses from the young patients, showed that the function of the Nurse Care Coordinator provided both value and meaning to the young patients. Responses included references to the perception of safety (as opposed to anxiety), a sense of familiarity and comfort (during chaotic and unfamiliar processes), and a constructive approach to patient enquiry (providing help and effective assistance). CONCLUSION The role of a Nurse Care Coordinator has increased focus on the young patients with a brain tumor in the Neurosurgical Clinic. It has also contributed to a higher degree of multidisciplinary workflows around the young patients and great satisfaction for the young patients.