Introduction:
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women and remains one of the leading causes of death from cancer in women in developed countries. In 2011-2012 Southern Melbourne hospitals treated the largest number of breast cancer patients in Victoria; of these 956 patients had MBC with 6023 episodes of care. Women with MBC have complex SC needs that vary over time, however it is recognized both internationally and nationally that a SC gap exists. This gap was also identified by a consumer, who proposed that MBC nursing roles be created in the Southern Melbourne region.
Aim:
To develop a framework for establishing a specialized MBC nursing role and model of care (MOC) that will guide best practice for meeting the SC needs of MBC patients.
Methodology:
A travel grant was awarded to two breast care nurses (BCN) from Southern Melbourne hospitals to expand their knowledge of a MBC nursing role and to identify SC gaps by:
• attending a metastatic BCN practicum
• conducting interviews and comparing the roles of existing MBC nurses
• conducting a literature review
Results:
A MBC nurse MOC was developed and presented to regional BCN's to share knowledge of the role. This MOC was adapted to fit a nurse practitioner (NP) role and funding was obtained to create a new MBC NP role at Monash Health.
Conclusion:
In response to a consumer’s recognition of a SC gap for those with MBC, a MOC was developed that led to the initiation of a new MBC NP role at Monash Health. Further research into the value of this role will be conducted once it is established.