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C.A. Davies



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    ORAL 15 - Outcome Management in Lung Cancer Patients (ID 113)

    • Event: WCLC 2015
    • Type: Oral Session
    • Track: Nursing and Allied Professionals
    • Presentations: 1
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      ORAL15.07 - I Am Dying of Mesothelioma (ID 2698)

      16:45 - 18:15  |  Author(s): C.A. Davies

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background:
      Malignant Mesothelioma is a devastating disease associated with poor outcome and highly complex symptoms. The disease is frequently linked to past asbestos exposure, for many via occupational exposure. A Mesothelioma patient approached the lung cancer CNS expressing his wish to share his experience with others. Therafter, with the patient's consent, the content of this information continues to be used as an educational tool to enhance patient care.

      Methods:
      The format agreed was interview. Consent obtained. For maximum impact the interview was video recorded. It followed the patient story, told in his words from beginning to present: 1. Investigations and diagnosis 2. Treatment 3. The here and now It was very important to both authors that this be the patient’s story. Technical support used was recommended by Macmillan.

      Results:
      Diagnostic delays Angry cause occupational exposure. Imperitive doctors ask! Told Mesothelioma. No Cure. Devistated Prognosis 2 years: Chemotherapy recommended. ‘It was bad. If someone had said to me do you want to die, I would have said yes’. Lack of support group – all dying! Supportive lung nurses . Breathless – ‘Cannot walk anymore, have to take car’. ‘Unable to talk in groups, too breathless’. I’d rather put up with pain than take something stronger’ which takes away my quality of life. ‘Know things will get worse’. ‘I’m remote from my wife’. ‘I have a death sentence’. ‘I’m living it and at the end of it I’m gone’.

      Conclusion:
      A patient story is emotive and powerful. This story highlights in part the complexities associated with the Mesothelioma pathway. It also identifies various multifaceted difficulties patient’s face. This video is used as an educational tool for professionals in mesothelioma care within the UK.

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    P2.09 - Poster Session/ Nursing and Allied Professionals (ID 227)

    • Event: WCLC 2015
    • Type: Poster
    • Track: Nursing and Allied Professionals
    • Presentations: 1
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      P2.09-006 - A Breathlessness Booklet (ID 2772)

      09:30 - 17:00  |  Author(s): C.A. Davies

      • Abstract
      • Slides

      Background:
      Breathlessness is common amongst lung cancer patients. It leads to inactivity, helplessness and loss of self esteem. As the experience of breathlessness has physical and non-physical aspects, management of the symptom of breathlessness is challenging. It is recognised that non pharmacological intervention for breathlessness is beneficial. In 2012 lung cancer patients expressed the need for an easy to use breathlessness aid. A breathlessness booklet was subsequently developed. Patients were asked to assess the usefulness, understanding and easiness of each entry. The booklet evaluated well with patients and users. The appointment of a Macmillan specialist occupational therapist to the palliative care team was an ideal opportunity to re-examine the breathlessness aid and introduce a multi disciplinary approach.

      Methods:
      The booklet was reviewed with the layout redesigned and an additional section added on activities of daily living. Information includes anatomy and physiology, breathing control, anxiety management including relaxation techniques, activity pacing and positional aids.

      Results:
      The revised A5 booklet has since been used by patients and a number of the multi-disciplinary team have had sight of it. Information remains, as intended simplistic but is comprehensive. The booklet is being distributed by the Macmillan lung cancer CNS and palliative care team which includes consultant, CNS’s Macmillan OT and healthcare support workers. Patient feedback remains very positive. It suggests patients feel more equipped to cope with their breathlessness. They report it has helped them cope with pacing themselves and controlling breathing when using the stairs. Others enjoy the choice of breathing techniques and tips for managing activities of daily living in and out of the home.

      Conclusion:
      Interest in this breathlessness aid has been expressed from a variety of specialities and hospitals within Aneurin Bevan Health Board. Requests have been made for the breathlessness leaflet to be available on intranet so that all personnel within ABHB can access information. An additional booklet has been produced on Fatigue. Both booklets have subsequently been presented at The All Wales Lung Cancer Forum 2014 Annual Conference. Delegate feedback was very positive.

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