P3.07-05 Can Improving Working Partnerships with Primary Care Prevent Avoidable Emergency Admissions for Patients with Lung Cancer?

Abstract

A literature search was performed. Primary Care Professionals (PCP'S) and National Lung Cancer Forum for Nurses (NLCFN) members were surveyed. Patients with a known diagnosis of lung cancer and their carers were interviewed following emergency care admissions. Lung Cancer Nurse Specialists (LCNS) from 15 NHS Trusts/Health Boards (HB) throughout the United Kingdom participated in data collection between May and August 2017. A literature search (CINAHL, Embase, Proquest, PubMed, Medline) was performed. 120 PCP's from 7 CCG's/HB were surveyed to ask how and why they would contact a LCNS; any difficulties experienced contacting a LCNS and what support the LCNS could provide. 86 (72%) responded. 27 patients and their carers from 5 NHS/HB who were admitted as an emergency with a symptom related to their lung cancer were interviewed by a LCNS. A questionnaire was sent to all NLCFN members, asking "What do you do in your current practice to help prevent avoidable emergency hospital attendances?" There was no published literature specific to the project aim. 46 (53%) PCP's knew how to contact the LCNS, 24 (28%) did not and 16 (19%) were unaware the service existed. PCP's reported that the LCNS could improve communication and provide education and specialist advice to help reduce avoidable emergency admissions. Following review by the LCNS, 25 (92%) of emergency admissions were deemed necessary. 2 (8%) patients contacted 999, with the rest seeking advice from the LCNS, Acute Oncology Service or GP prior to admission. 282 NLCFN members were surveyed with 59 respondents. Findings highlighted wide variations in practice, although a number of common themes were evident. Proactive communication with patients and HCP's and timely referrals and signposting were key to identifying and addressing potential problems as early as possible. This small data sample suggests that patients were admitted appropriately. The NLCFN survey highlighted the role of the LCNS in providing expert specialist knowledge and advice to patients and Health Care Professionals throughout the patients journey. PCP's expressed that they would like to know more about the role of the LCNS and would value better means of communication, advice and specialist support to improve patient care.