2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (Posters)-P2.23. The Role of The Mesothelioma UK Nurse Increases the Number of Patients Accessing Legal Representation, Financial Entitlement.

P2.23. The Role of The Mesothelioma UK Nurse Increases the Number of Patients Accessing Legal Representation, Financial Entitlement. - PDF(Slides)

Back to course

Pdf Summary

Mesothelioma UK is a national charity that supports individuals affected by mesothelioma, a type of cancer often caused by asbestos exposure. The charity has a Mesothelioma UK Nurse who plays a crucial role in helping patients access legal representation and financial entitlements. <br /><br />A study was conducted to compare the impact of having the Mesothelioma UK Nurse in 2022 versus not having the nurse in 2021. Data was collected from various sources, including the Cancer Data set, Lung CNS teams across Kent, and asbestos groups like HASAG and LASAG. A comparative analysis was performed, and the results showed significant differences.<br /><br />In 2021, when the Mesothelioma UK Nurse was not present, 106 patients were diagnosed with mesothelioma. Out of these, only 49% were referred to HASAG and LASAG for benefits and compensation support. In contrast, in 2022, with the nurse in post, 97 patients were diagnosed, and 90% of them were referred to HASAG and LASAG.<br /><br />The study draws several conclusions and recommendations. Firstly, the role of the Mesothelioma UK Nurse was found to increase the number of patients accessing benefits and compensation from 49% to 90%. This highlights the importance of legal awards in enabling patients to receive non-NHS reimbursed treatments. Regular contact with patients, families, and caregivers to review financial entitlement and legal representation is encouraged.<br /><br />The study also acknowledges some limitations and possible reasons for the low referrals in 2021. These include COVID-related restrictions, staff changes, lack of education on the importance of reviewing financial entitlement, and limited support group services.<br /><br />The background information reveals that the UK has the highest incidence of mesothelioma globally, and Kent has a particularly high prevalence due to the proximity of asbestos-exposed areas. On average, 100 patients per year are diagnosed in Kent, requiring access to support services.<br /><br />In summary, the presence of the Mesothelioma UK Nurse significantly increases the enrollment of patients in benefits and compensation programs. The study highlights the crucial role of this nurse in providing valuable information, support, and advocacy to mesothelioma patients and their families in accessing their entitled financial and legal resources.

Asset Subtitle

Louise Gilham

Meta Tag

Speaker Louise Gilham

Topic Multidisciplinary Care: Nursing & Allied Health

Keywords

Mesothelioma UK

mesothelioma

asbestos exposure

Mesothelioma UK Nurse

benefits and compensation support

referrals

legal awards

reviewing financial entitlement

support services

entitled financial resources