The NLCFN workshop group were keen to explore the impact on patient experience of the National Optimal Lung Cancer Pathway (NOLCP). Evaluation of patient experience to collect data on their corresponding pathways. Hospital based lung cancer diagnostic services across the UK at 18 Trusts. Newly diagnosed lung cancer patients referred on the 62 day pathway during October 2017 to July 2018 were eligible. 135 patient pathway and questionnaire data were analysed from 15 Trusts. Data Collection Data collection was in two parts: A patient survey and a data collection tool to reflect key points along the patient pathway. All data was anonymised. Data Analysis Data was submitted by 15 Trusts and analysed by the workshop participants Overall, patients were satisfied with their experience of the pathway. Data collection demonstrated significant variation across pathways. Service evaluation and development is a key part of the LCNS role, however there were variations in Trust governance processes which caused delays and non submissions. Overall, patients were satisfied with their experience of the pathway. Data collection demonstrated significant variation across pathways. Service evaluation and development is a key part of the LCNS role, however there were variations in Trust governance processes which caused delays and non submissions.

The National Lung Cancer Audit 2015 reported 40% of patients with Lung cancer are diagnosed following an emergency admission. The National Lung Cancer Forum for Nurses Workshop 2016 undertook a review of how the Lung Cancer CNS's (LCNS) early intervention can have a positive impact on the reduction in the length of stay for those patients admitted via the emergency route at their first presentation. A prospective and a retrospective review of a cohort of patients admitted by the emergency route was undertaken, n=51 in both cohorts, across 13 UK sites over a 2 month period. A standardised Data Collection Tool was developed to ensure consistency and avoid bias. In the prospective cohort the LCNS actively identified patients at an early stage following their admission, whereas the retrospective cohort was a random sample of patients admitted and diagnosed via the emergency route irrespective of the LCNS involvement. Demographics and baseline characteristics were found to be similar in both cohorts. 31% of patients were never seen by the LCNS in the retrospective cohort whereas all patients were seen in the prospective cohort 76% of patients in the prospective cohort were seen within 0-5 days following admission by a LCNS compared with 43% in the retrospective cohort Average length of stay in the prospective cohort was 9.7 days V 17.6 days in the retrospective cohort. This review suggests the early intervention of a LCNS is associated with a reduced length of stay following an emergency admission when Lung Cancer/Mesothelioma is diagnosed.