The role of the NET clinical nurse specialist in managing carcinoid heart disease patients: Optimising patient care

#3517

Introduction: The diagnosis of carcinoid heart disease (CHD) is often made late and requires a highly experienced team to manage multiple issues, such as heart failure, carcinoid symptoms and poor nutrition. Prior to December 2018 NET (Neuroendocrine Tumor) and cardiac teams were working in isolation, this resulted in missed opportunities for intervention and comprehensive review. It was evident we needed to build closer collaborations with our cardiac colleagues, to ensure timely assessment, optimisation of symptoms and improve patients’ overall experience. The Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) were fundamental in establishing a twice monthly CHD/NET multidisciplinary team meeting and monthly joint NET/CHD clinic. Patients were kept informed at each stage by the CNS, either during telephone consultation, ward visit or at clinic appointments.

Aim(s): To assess the role of CNS in optimising the CHD patient pathway.

Materials and methods: Patient data from December 2018 to present were retrieved retrospectively from the NET CHD database, designed and maintained by the CNSs and the Trust's electronic patient records.

Conference:

Presenting Author:

Authors: Smith S, Vickrage S, Kemp-Blake J, Coldham C, Shah T,

Keywords: Carcinoid Heart Disease, Multidisciplinary team, Clinical Nurse Specialist,