Nursing support can improve quality of life for skin lymphoma patients

Cutaneous lymphomas, a rare and heterogenous group of skin cancers, are not always painful of lethal, yet many patients experience reduced quality of life and worry. Because the lesions are very visible, they feel shame, fear or depression, which can lead to social isolation and abscence from work or school. Also, a small proportion of patients require regular hospitalisation for intensive care of skin lesions.
 

Improved quality of life

A team of doctors and nurses from the dermatology and general medical oncology departments started a pilot project to research whether closer nursing follow-up could add value in improving quality of life. Twenty-one patients participated in the study and completed the three questionnaires. They were provided with two additional consultations with a specialised nurse, who focused with them on issues such as wound care, symptom management, side effects of treatments, fatigue, therapy compliance, self-image and shame, help from the environment and practical concerns. After that they were asked to complete some questionnaires anonymously. 

Dr. Sherida Woei-A-Jin, general medical oncologist: “The results of our pilot study show that almost 40 procent of the patients experienced improved quality of life as a result of the additional support. Many felt less ashamed, scare or depressed. Many patients indicated that they were better informed, which led to better coping and fewer absences from work or school. These are of course subjective measurements, but objectively, we were able to determine that the number of unplanned re-admissions had gone down.”

A listening ear and point of contact

The stud yshow that additional tailored nursing support can improve the quality of life of patients with skin lymphomas, and this in all stages of the disease. 

“Multi-professional follow-up is crucial – if necessary we refer to a psychologist, sexologist or social worker, for example. But is is good for the patient to have one first point of contact that listens to them as a person as a whole, rather than fragmented care by multiple healthcare providers.”

What might be the explanation for these positive results? “We find that patients sometimes have anxiety about doctors: the threshold to speak to a nurse is lower. It is unfortunate that many patients are worried about their chances of survival, when there is really no need to be. A motivated, well-trained nurse can make a big difference. We are very proud of our nurses and grateful that there is a culture in our hospital where there is room to work on healthcare improvement,’ concludes Dr Woei-A-Jin.