PP70. WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP: A MODEL FOR A SUCCESSFUL BRAIN TUMOUR SUPPORT GROUP

摘要

The Clinical Nurse Specialists in Neuro-oncology at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire have 23 years experience of skills and knowledge which enables them to effectively support patients; their families and carers. Within this time the way in which patients and their families look for and receive information and support has changed. Patients now have access to individual care planning; tailored holistic needs assessments and information accessible at the point of need. During assessments patients; their families and carers often ask to meet other people in similar circumstances, to discuss their experiences and share ideas. In order to facilitate this process the Clinical Nurse Specialists in collaboration with the Brainwaves charity set up the Coventry Brain Tumour Support Group in 2012. Further partnership with Brain Tumour Support commenced in 2014. The support group aims are to:• Talk and share experiences• Provide a relaxing environment• Provide coping and self-help strategies• Provide appropriate information in the form of invited speakers• Discuss brain tumour issues• Have a supported social friendship groupThe poster will present the successes and challenges of developing an appropriate and sustainable support network for brain tumour patients and their families/carers., highlighting the increasing number since its launch. It will also show how patients have taken advantage of the many social events organised such as pamper sessions, garden centre visits, barbeques and skittles nights. The poster will also demonstrate how working in collaboration with both local and national charities has benefited patients; and how partnership working has contributed considerably to the success of the Coventry Brain Tumour Support Group.