Author of

• 11055

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  P1.25 - Poster Session 1 - Nurses (ID 248)

  • Event: WCLC 2013
  • Type: Poster Session
  • Track: Nurses
  • Presentations: 1
  • Moderators:
  • Coordinates: 10/28/2013, 09:30 - 16:30, Exhibit Hall, Ground Level

  • 11061

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    P1.25-006 - Lung Cancer and Comorbidities: A regional population compared with an urban population (ID 3450)

    09:30 - 09:30  |  Author(s): D. Bedwell
    • Abstract

    Background
    Li and Girgis (2006) note patients with lung cancer have a higher level of unmet needs than patients with other types of cancer. Wilder et al (2008) found cancer patients report significantly more comorbid conditions, poorer physical and mental health compared to the general population. Lung Cancer Nurses utilise a community wide approach to optimise cancer care for patients, provide patient centred care and promote multidisciplinary care. The implications of lung cancer patients having the presence of multiple comorbidities at diagnosis include; an increased need for nursing education surrounding the more common comorbidities, poly-pharmacy issues, increased clinical needs, increased community supports and psychosocial support. Also the financial implications of increased care needs both to the patient and the community. Data is being collected from two different hospitals, one regional and one urban, from two different states within Australia. Although geography and resources determine the fine tuning of the Lung Cancer Nurse role to individual hospitals, essentially both models of care promote improved patient outcomes.

    Methods
    All new patients presented in the Lung cancer Multidisciplinary team meeting for a twelve monthe period from September 2012 to end of August 2013 will have their comorbidity data collected. Including associated pharmacy, performance status, main carer and smoking status. The same data is being collected at both sites in this study.

    Results
    Results and their implications will be discussed once data collection completed at end of August 2013.

    Conclusion
    Preliminary data is showing that the majority of our patients with lung cancer have multiple comorbidities and thus, poly pharmacy and increased needs. The data between the urban and regional hospitals will be compared and the implications, differences, simliarties and the impact this has on the Lung Cancer Nurse's role at each site will be discussed as well as future directions and what regional and urban areas can learn from each other.