Care of patients with neurological conditions: the impact of a Generic Neurology Nursing Service development on patients and their carers

Aims and objectives. The aim of this study was to explore patients and carers views and experiences of the impact of the Generic Neurology Nursing Service. Background. Neurological conditions are a major cause of disability and are estimated to affect up to one billion people worldwide. It is clear that this number is set to rise as the world’s population is ageing. Although there are established disease specific neurological specialist nursing services that have been reported as benefitting patients and carers, not all neurological patients are captured in these services. To address this deficit and to provide a rapidly accessible service the Generic Neurology Service was established. Design. A qualitative study using joint and one to one semi structured interviews. A purposive sample of 20 patients and carers participated in the study. Results. Two broad themes emerged which are inextricably linked: longer consultation times and the benefit of seeing a knowledgeable specialist nurse. Conclusions. The respondents in this study reported the benefits of a longer consultation time coupled with the opportunity to talk freely about their symptoms and to ask more questions. All the patients and carers interviewed in this study were satisfied with the care provided by the Generic Neurology Nurse Service, with the majority highlighting improvements it has made in their lives. Relevance to clinical practice. This study has shown how a novel approach to service design and delivery can help to bridge the gap in the provision of a bespoke service for patients with a neurological condition who currently are receiving sub optimal care. Having a service that patients can rapidly access can be suggested as preventing clinical emergencies, maintaining patients’ self management and resulting in care of the level of the best.