title: Improving care of patients with metastatic spinal cord compression.
abstract: Metastatic spinal cord compression is a feature of advanced cancer and the incidence is likely to increase alongside improved survival rates. Patients with spinal cord compression have complex physical, psychological and social care needs. This article describes a multidisciplinary project aimed at improving the care provided to newly diagnosed patients who were admitted to a regional cancer centre for radiotherapy. The project used a range of approaches to measure care, develop and implement interventions, and evaluate outcomes. Aspects of care reviewed in the project included mobilisation, medications including steroids and thrombo-prophylaxis, bowel management, patient priorities and concerns, discharge planning and early detection.
authors.affiliation: Practice Development Sister, Weston Park Hospital, Specialist Cancer Services, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield.
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Warnock
authors.affiliation: Senior Physiotherapist, Weston Park Hospital, Specialist Cancer Services, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield.
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hodson
authors.affiliation: Professor of Health Services Research, Centre for Health and Social Care Research, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tod
authors.affiliation: Senior Oncology Pharmacist, Weston Park Hospital, Specialist Cancer Services, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mills
authors.affiliation: Occupational Therapist, Weston Park Hospital, Specialist Cancer Services, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield.
authors.forename: Lesley
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Crowther
authors.affiliation: Transfer of Care Nurse, Weston Park Hospital, Specialist Cancer Services, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield.
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Buchanan
authors.affiliation: Clinical Oncology Consultant, Weston Park Hospital, Specialist Cancer Services, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield.
authors.forename: Bernadette
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Foran
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000451:nursing*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing*
chemical_list: D003907:Dexamethasone