Pharmacist and Nurse (PN) led melanoma immunotherapy clinic: Patient experience survey

Abstract Background In 2017 a new PN led clinic was established for immunotherapy patients. At the 1-year mark to ensure patients were satisfied with the service provision, a patient experience survey was conducted. The survey explored if patients felt comfortable in discussing side effects with the PN and if they felt part of their treatment related decisions. Importantly patients were asked if they had confidence and trust in the PN. Methods The survey was provided to all patients whom attended the PN led clinic from May 2017 to May 2018. The survey consisted of 10 closed questions using the Likert scale, with spaces provided for personal comments. Data collection period was 1.06.18 to 29.06.18. Estimated number of patients was 10. Results Questionnaires were provided to a total of 10 patients. Three questionnaires could not be provided to 3 patients whom attended the PN led clinic as they had died. Two patients did not respond back. 6/8 patients strongly agreed (SAg) to feeling comfortable in discussing treatment related side effects and 2/8 patients agreed (Ag). This same result was found when patients were asked if they felt involved in the decisions related to their care e.g. stopping immunotherapy treatment at 2 yrs. With respect to having confidence and trust with the advice and care provided by the PN, 7 patients SAg and 1 Ag. All patients felt that they were being listened to and had the opportunity to ask questions during their consultations (7 patients SAg and 1 Ag). Reassuringly all 8 patients said that they would recommend this service to their friends and family (7 patients SAg and 1 Ag). Conclusions This survey was to ensure patients were satisfied with being reviewed by a PN and as the service was new to the melanoma unit in 2017; it was vital that the patients had the opportunity to evaluate the service provision. With this positive feedback the clinic was expanded from September 2018 and to date 36 patients have now been seen within the PN led immunotherapy clinic and another patient experience survey is due. Legal entity responsible for the study The authors. Funding Has not received any funding. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.