Home visits for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma
Category: Diagnosis and Initial Needs
The problem identified
The need for home visits after a diagnosis of mesothelioma for patients and carers.
The intervention made to change the problem
Following a patient satisfaction survey it was identified that patients who had received a home visit really valued it. It also identified that patients would have appreciated the offer of a visit, particularly after a diagnosis or to discuss treatment options.
How it changed my practice
A home visit is now offered to all newly diagnosed patients with mesothelioma. Patients with complex needs following a diagnosis of lung cancer are offered a home visit. This service has not been required by everyone but allows time to be dedicated to provide a visit. It enables better understanding of patients social circumstances allowing earlier identification of any particular problems and referral to community colleagues. This development adds to the quality of the service offered and a valued response to the patient satisfaction survey. This service development will have implications which will need to be addressed to continue the equity and present level of support offered.