Vineetha Thankapannair, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Cambridge University Hospitals, presents a comprehensive session on Active Surveillance (AS), focusing on supported self-management and a nurse-led approach based on her extensive experience. This session is designed to inspire healthcare professionals to reflect on their practices and consider practical strategies for enhancing AS programmes in their local contexts.
Ms Thankapannair introduces STRATified CANcer Surveillance (STRATCANS) and provides an overview of its development and background within the context of prostate cancer management. She shares insights into the establishment of a nurse-led service for AS, drawing from her own experience in Cambridge to illustrate the benefits and outcomes achieved.
Participants will gain insights into the patient eligibility criteria for the STRATCANS programme, ensuring a clear understanding of how to identify suitable candidates for AS. Ms Thankapannair discusses the implementation of ongoing support through remote follow-ups using tools like the ‘MyChart’ platform, highlighting effective strategies for patient monitoring and engagement.
Furthermore, the session explores patient experiences through the use of Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMS), offering valuable perspectives on patient satisfaction and outcomes in AS programmes. Attendees are encouraged to discuss the challenges, barriers, and potential future enhancements to adapt and improve AS programmes locally.
This session serves as a catalyst for healthcare professionals involved in prostate cancer care, offering practical guidance and innovative approaches based on real-world experience to strengthen AS programmes and improve patient outcomes through effective self-management and nurse-led initiatives.
