P71 Training of junior doctors into thoracic ultrasound and pleural procedures–impact of a dedicated respiratory consultant –supervised advanced nurse practitioner-supported session

Evaluating the impact of nurse practitioner involvement in a pleural procedures clinic

BACKGROUND

Pleural disease incidence is increasing and there has been a move towards outpatient management. Pleural clinics have been developed for patients to be assessed and have pleural procedures for diagnostic and symptomatic purposes.

AIM

The study aimed to assess the impact of nurse practitioner (NP) involvement in a pleural procedures clinic on clinic capacity, and staff and patient experience.

METHODS

A mixed-methods service evaluation was completed in a medium-sized general hospital. The number of patients seen in clinic over a 6-month period at the beginning of NP involvement was compared with the number of patients seen 1 year later. Semi-structured interviews of key staff stakeholders were conducted.

FINDINGS

Clinic capacity increased from 4.57 to 5.86 patients per list. NP involvement increased access, improved patient care, reduced work burden for other staff and improved educational opportunities.

CONCLUSION

The impact of NP involvement in the pleural clinic was seen as positive and increased clinic capacity. The same model of practice could be considered elsewhere.