P-197 Development of core standards of practice for the lung cancer nurse specialist

Aim: To develop standards of practice for Lung Cancer Nurse Specialists in the United Kingdom, which can provide guidance for developing new posts for lung cancer nurse specialists, assist in improving lung cancer patient and carer experiences, and aid in service development. Method: The London and Southeast Lung Cancer Nurses Group, which is a regional group of the National Lung Cancer Nurses Forum in the United Kingdom, reviewed the evidence available. Sub-groups of the Forum developed specific standards relating to practice, and these were drawn together to develop a set of standards. Results: The members of the group felt that care for lung cancer patients in the region can be fragmented, as often the role of the lung cancer nurse specialist is unclear. The core standards of practice developed are as follows; communication and information, access to specialist help and advice, psychological and social support, expert symptom control and advice, co-ordination of care, and continuity of care. Each standard reviews the literature and provides guidance points for nurses. Discussion: Core standards of practice could make a significant contribution to improving the overall care of patients with lung cancer, as lung cancer nurse specialists will have a framework on which to pin their practice. The standards of practice can enable service and care evaluation through audit.