1. Brain Tumour Support A joint project between
BHOC Cancer and Information Centre and
Brain Tumour Support
Devised and managed by
Emma Fynn
CISC Manager and Pilot Lead
Together WE are Stronger

2. Together WE are Stronger
Why?
The aim of the project
To improve information and support available to brain tumour patients and families, delivered at an appropriate time
To alleviate time pressure on CNS
To address the needs of the Living With and Beyond Cancer agenda
Together WE are Stronger

3. Together WE are Stronger
What was needed
CISC and BTS to work together to provide additional support services.
To do this BTS needed to become part of the pathway and patients needed to be referred directly to CISC by the CNS
This had not been done consistently before.
Together WE are Stronger

4. Together WE are Stronger
How it works
CNSs or clinician hands out support packs at diagnosis and refer all patients to CISC
CISC contact patients usually with in 2 weeks to introduce themselves, offer support and encourage people to visit to the centre whilst on treatment
Patients are offered an appointment with CISC and/or the BTSW at CISC
CISC refer onto BTS who follow up as appropriate
Relevant contact information is logged on Somerset Cancer Registry
Together WE are Stronger

5. Together WE are Stronger
Activity
May – October 2017
65 referrals received, contact made and referred onto BTW
29 had substantive contact with CISC
19 already know to BTS
7 yet to start treatment
3 no response
3 deceased since referral
14 not engaged but on BTS system to follow up
Together WE are Stronger

6. Together WE are Stronger
Outcomes
Every brain tumour patient knows what services are available to them via CISC and BTS
CNS have reported a reduction in direct pressure
CISC has evidence of its interventions
Patients and families have more consistent and robust on going support
LWaBC team interested in the pilot
Together WE are Stronger

7. Together WE are Stronger
Conclusion
This simple pilot has shown that extended support can be offered by NBT and UHB to patients and their families, at minimum extra cost. At the same time alleviating the demands/expectations on clinical teams and addressing the needs of the LWaBC agenda.
A win win outcome!
Together WE are Stronger