Short Communication 
Creative Commons, CC-BY
The Development of an Infusion Mobile Unit, Nurse-Led for Cancer Patients to Receive Their Treatment Outside of a Hospital and Closer to Home
*Corresponding author:Natalie Bingham, Lead Nurse for Oncology, Lloyds Pharmacy Clinical Homecare.
Received:April 18, 2023; Published:April 27, 2023
DOI: 10.34297/AJBSR.2023.18.002502
Abstract
Acupuncture at ST-36 [Zusanli], SP-6 [Sanyinjiao] and PC-6 [Neiguan] has gained increasing evidence of efficacy in management of variety of disorders. This chapter comprehensively investigated their therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms underlying their effects based on veterinary studies. Different studies demonstrated the efficacy of acutherapy at ST-36, SP-6 and PC-6 for treatment of various disorders in some animal models [for example, ST-36, SP-6 for pain and some immune-mediated diseases; ST-36 for intervertebral disc disease and certain arthritic models and skin problems; PC-6 for epilepsy and some ventricular arrhythmias; ST-36, SP-6 and PC-6 for motility problems of gastrointestinal tract and hypertension, etc.]. Some studies also explained some of the mechanisms behind the therapeutic effects of these acupoints. Despite of this, the involved mechanisms need further investigations to promote the objectivity of their efficacy. Thus, in this chapter some future studies have been proposed to address this point as well as to evaluate the potential not previously addressed roles of these points in some disorders based on the relevant previous findings. All of these could increase the validity of ST-36, SP-6 and PC-6 acupuncture stimulation as a therapeutic tool in veterinary patients.
Abbreviations: TCM: Traditional Chinese Medicine; NIH: National Institute of Health; WHO: World Health Organization; AVMA: American Veterinary Medical Association; Bcl-2: B-cell lymphoma 2; BAX: Bcl-2 associated X-protein; GAP-43: Growth Associated Protein 43; SOD: Serum superoxide Dismutase; MDA: Malondialdehyde; MDM2: Mouse Double Minute 2 Homolog; NO: Nitric Oxide; GABA: Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; 5-HT: 5-Hydroxytryptamine; STZ: Streptozotozin; GnRH: Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone.
Background
Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust and Lloyds Pharmacy Clinical Homecare (LPCH) formed a partnership to develop an innovative infusion service covering Surrey and Sussex, delivering high risk cancer treatments outside of a hospital setting. Driven by the trust’s need to help to reduce hospital visits and increase capacity allowing teams to stratify care for complex patisents without having to expand their operating hours.
Exceptional Quality and Responsiveness
Treatment is delivered by an oncologist nurse, meaning there is no change in the quality of their care and less visits to the hospital. The service launched in February 2020 and was officially opened by Dame Judi Dench. This was during the initial stages of the Covid-19 which saw a rapid increase in referrals by 200%. The Trust and LPCH worked closely to quickly expand the treatment protocols from 5 to 12 different regimens to ensure.
that cancer patients could continue their treatment despite the pandemic (Figure 1).
Holistic, Patient Centered Care
The Fountain Centre, a third party attends the mobile unit to deliver holistic therapies to the patients, whilst attending their appointment. This involves a number of holistic therapies such as reflexology, head massage and meditation. To date, patient uptake has been extremely positive with 85% of our patients utilising the additional holistic service provided by the Fountain Centre, and 2 out of 3 patients booking an additional therapy session (Figure 2).
Figure 1:abcd
Figure 2:Royal Surrey Healthcare Centre Administrations by Month Feb - Sep 2020.
Warm and Welcoming
Vicki Mumford Macmillan Oncology Divisional Head of Nursing Said
“We have felt exceptionally lucky to have been working in collaboration with you especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, in a short space of time you assisted in mobilising a third day for our mobile unit, the staff are warm, welcoming and have ensured all the infection control measures are undertaking to run a Covid-19 safe service. Awesome team and such an enjoyable partnership with the patient at the centre” (Figure 3).
Figure 3:abcd
What Our Patients Think
• keep up excellent work ! would find it hard to say what
could be improved
• I couldn’t fault the service
• I was happy with everything!
• Nothing could be improved very pleased with everything
In summary
The mobile infusion clinic has allowed nursing resources to be redistributed whilst improving patient outcomes, experience and quality of life. Alongside this, the service has supported cancer patients throughout the pandemic and avoided unnecessary deferrals of treatment at an unprecedented time.
Conflict of Interest
No conflict of interest.
Acknowledgement
None.
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