Quality of life after radiotherapy and steroids in patients with inoperable brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer: the QUARTZ trial

Mesothelioma Framework, launched by the Department of Health Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma Advisory Group (LCMAG) in February 2007, aims to provide Strategic Health Authorities (SHA’s), Cancer Networks, Primary Care Trusts (PCT’s) and NHS Trusts advice and guidance on how to better organise mesothelioma services in order to standardise and improve the quality of care throughout the UK. The M-NAT initiative will provide an opportunity for nursing services for people with mesothelioma to be developed to a uniformly high level across the country. To date M-NAT has 43 members representing Scotland, Wales and every English cancer network except one. This core membership is able to cascade information and support to the wider community of nurses working within their network. M-NAT has met three times and two more dates are scheduled for 2009. Regular contact with, and support of, the membership is maintained by e-mail communication. The team has undertaken a detailed review of the Mesothelioma Framework and set its initial priorities: • To develop as a national team • To develop a national mesothelioma patient information pack • To develop a national nursing care pathway for patients • To develop a programme of nursing audit and research in mesothelioma. A baseline survey of members has also been undertaken identifying members’ characteristics, level of understanding, knowledge, skills and confidence in meeting the needs of mesothelioma patients and their carers, as well as their expectations and hopes for M-NAT. This poster will describe the M-NAT initiative in greater detail.