Improving outcomes for people with skin tumours including melanoma

Improving Outcomes for
People with Skin Tumours
including Melanoma
Patient-centred care
A. Recommendations
Putting patient and carer needs at the centre of service
design
Cancer networks, through their site-specific groups and lead
commissioners, should describe the demographic profile of the skin
cancer patients in their area in order to ensure that their needs are
adequately met. In particular they should consider the impact of
affluence and poverty on stage at presentation and ensure access to
the entire range of services from prevention through to palliation.
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Commissioners should develop an understanding of the spectrum of
needs of service users through consultation arrangements and ensure
that individuals from the local community have the facility and the
confidence to raise and express concerns.
Commissioners, together with their cancer network site-specific
groups, should take into consideration the diversity of patients’ needs
when configuring services and developing network protocols.
Communication, information provision and support
Those who are directly involved in treating patients should receive
specific training in communication and breaking bad news. They have
a responsibility for good communication with patients and carers,
including discussion of the risks and benefits in deciding about
treatment options and involving patients as partners in care and
treatment.
Each LSMDT and SSMDT should have at least one skin cancer clinical
nurse specialist (CNS) who will play a leading role in supporting
patients and carers. There should be equity of access to information
and support regardless of where the care is delivered.
All LSMDTs and SSMDTs should have access to psychological support
services for skin cancer patients.
Patients should be invited to bring a companion with them to
consultations.
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National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence