|
Nurse-led Diagnostic Biopsies Policy |
|
Written by Dermatology Specialist Nurse
|
As the numbers of patients requiring biopsies increase, medical capacity and patient choice decreases. The strict time parameters set out by the NHS Plan (2000) for not only the patient to be seen, but also to be treated, create great logistical challenges. If these were undertaken during a regular Consultant Dermatologist clinic, it would result in disruption of the clinic time schedule and substantial delays in patients being seen by the doctor. This is the current situation. However, with increased capacity for suitable diagnostic biopsies provided by the Specialist Dermatology Nurses, it would greatly ease this situation.
It is clear that this policy resulting in the development of the nurse-led diagnostic biopsy service has the potential to greatly improve the patient's experience. It offers the possibility of the patient being seen by a doctor, and the nurse being able to carry out the diagnostic biopsy during the same clinic session. Naturally, this option would not be suitable for every patient but if patients were prepared prior to their appointment for this, then it would provide a swift and effective service, ensuring prompt diagnosis based on histological results. It would improve patient choice and also increase the procedural capacity for the department.
|
|
Last Updated ( Monday, 21 June 2010 09:41 )
|
