Background and Context
For almost two years, the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse in Tamworth, NSW has conducted regular Outreach Clinics to the far reaching expanses of the New England Area Health Clusters in the NW of NSW. While there has always been plenty of support for these clinics, patient numbers utilising appointments have not always been encouraging. Anecdotally, comments have been reported as negative connotations to the term “clinics”. That is, “sick people go to clinics”. As the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse can discuss all facets of prostate cancer including, treatment options, side effects of treatment and the management of such, not all issues mean the patient is acutely unwell, or indeed, unwell at all.
Aim
To offer a service which includes those patients who are seeking individualised information and support while reaching out to the greater community to support and inform those men who are pursuing general information. Additionally, informing and supporting General Practioners and their staff about the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Service and what that offers their patients with a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Plan
To work with other services such as Medicare Local and Cancer Council NSW and attend community events with a view to raising the profile of the Prostate Cancer Nursing Service within the given community. Allowing time for appointments while visiting each centre will permit men with a diagnosis of prostate cancer to gain the maximum benefit from the services of the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Service.
Outcomes
As the renaming of the clinics to Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse Community Outreach is only in its early stages, outcome data is limited although, patient numbers and patient feedback have been promising.