Carole Farrell reports on audits that reveal patients’ satisfaction, expectations and concerns

Changes in cancer policies and professional evolution, including non-medical prescribing, have led to an increase in nurse-led clinics and developments in advanced nursing practice. However, there is a paucity of evidence evaluating nurse-led clinics and a lack of evidence for new patients seen by nurses instead of doctors.

Two audits were conducted to determine whether new patients accepted being seen by an advanced nurse practitioner (ANP), and to assess patient expectations, satisfaction and concerns. The questionnaires were completed by 116 new patients. Although 90% expected to see a consultant, only one expected to see an ANP. However, 17 (15%) patients saw a consultant; 60 (52%) saw a registrar and 33 (28%) saw the ANP. Despite this, 58 (77%) were not disappointed and 106 (91%) were very satisfied. However, 34-52% of patients found aspects of the consultation upsetting.

The results support the use of ANPs for new patient consultations in breast medical oncology. However, it is crucial to obtain patients’ views and evaluate nurse-led developments to ensure patient acceptability.