Knowledge gaps in prostate cancer treatment between physicians and clinical nurse specialists |
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| Authors: | Richard Gledhill Paula Allchorne James Green Philip Cornford |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Urology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK;2. Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK;3. Department of Urology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK;4. Department of Health and Social Care, London Southbank University, London, UK;5. Gow‐Gibbon Department of Urology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital Trust, Liverpool, UK |
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| Abstract: | Delphi consultations, a method of gaining consensus by gathering expert opinion, were conducted in order to understand the role of degarelix as a treatment option for advanced hormone‐dependent prostate cancer. During the Delphi consultations, differences were identified between physicians and clinical nurse specialists in terms of their knowledge of therapeutic developments. We argue that disparities in knowledge between physicians and nurse specialists could limit the effectiveness of multi‐disciplinary teams in providing optimal patient care. When such situations arise, communication between patients and nurse specialists, often the patient's primary point of contact, may conflict with information they have received from the physician. This could lead to confusion and uncertainty among patients about whether they are receiving the best possible care. Time and resources should be provided to address the continuing educational needs of nurses, which will ultimately result in the improved care and experience of patients. |
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| Keywords: | Clinical nurse specialist Education Patient‐centred care Professional development Prostate cancer Clinical decision making |
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