Cancer support nurses: a co-ordinating role in cancer care.
Cancer support nurses (CSNs) have a key co-ordinating role in the cancer services in North Lancashire and South Lakeland. The working practices of the three CSNs in North Lancashire are described in detail. There was a total cumulative caseload of 604 patients in September 1996, with 397 referrals in the previous 12-month period. There were 267 deaths during this time. CSNs are an essential element of cancer service provision. A ratio of one CSN to 40,000 population gives a manageable workload, provided there is an infrastructure of supportive care to which patients, carers and bereaved can be referred.
Royal Lancaster Infirmary, UK.
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McIllmurray
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Cummings
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E
Hopkins
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C
McCann
D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004739:England; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012944:Social Support; D016526:Workload