The United Kingdom has one of the highest rates of malignant mesothelioma in the world. Treating these patients is a top priority for the nation’s health care professionals, and specially trained mesothelioma clinical nurse specialists (MCNSs) play a crucial role. A recent study examined these practitioners’ perspectives on providing palliative care for patients diagnosed with the rare and deadly form of cancer.
Mesothelioma Clinical Nurse Specialists Focus on Four Main Themes
The study was conducted by the highly respected Mesothelioma UK Research Centre-Sheffield and funded by Mesothelioma UK, a charity dedicated to providing specialist mesothelioma information, support and education, and to improving care and treatment for all UK mesothelioma patients and their carers. Sixteen Clinical Nurse Specialists employed by the center were interviewed online, and those interviews revealed four main themes:
- Clinical Nurse Specialists’ role in relation to palliative care
- Working with specialist palliative care and community services
- Patients’ and family caregivers’ willingness to engage with palliative care services
- The impact of COVID-19 on palliative care for mesothelioma patients
Importance of Palliative Care for Mesothelioma Patients
The Mesothelioma Clinical Nurse Specialists interviewed for the study all agreed that patients and their caregivers have a significant need for palliative care from the time that they are diagnosed through the end of the patients’ lives. Both physical and psychological support is essential due to the heavy symptom burden, the rapid rate of decline, and the emotional issues surrounding the asbestos-related disease.
The researchers concluded that the current delivery of palliative care is adequate to meet mesothelioma patient needs and that there was no reason to refer patients to specialist palliative care any earlier than is already being done. They also found that Mesothelioma Clinical Nurse Specialists demonstrate high levels of skill and play a crucial role in enhancing patient and family outcomes.
“Being Alongside” Mesothelioma Patients is Crucial to Palliative Care
Among the conclusions that the study reached were the integral nature of “being alongside” the patient and their families and caregivers throughout their journey from the point of diagnosis forward. MCNSs also play a vital role in educating other healthcare professionals about mesothelioma. The study found that negative perceptions and misconceptions about palliative care work against their ability to provide the needed and highly beneficial service.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, there are many resources available to help make your journey easier. For information, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
