Abstract
AIMS
Coping Better Together is a patient education course that is offered by The Walton Centre for brain tumour patients following surgery. The diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours impacts patients and families long past the time of diagnosis, surgery and adjuvant treatment. The Coping Better Together Course recognises the impact on health and wellbeing and aims to equip patients and families with information, strategies and resources that improve quality of life.
METHOD
The course comprises of education sessions from a wide range of health care professionals, consultants, clinical nurse specialists and allied health care professionals. It provides opportunity for networking allowing patients and families to meet with others facing similar difficulties. Prior to the impact of the Covid pandemic this course was run off site and solely in person. The impact of Covid has brought the course within The Walton Centre allowing for both face to face attendance and virtual access, thus making it more accessible.
RESULTS
Feedback from the day is highly favourable and valued by those who attend. Patients and families report that they receive valuable information and go away better equipped in dealing with both symptoms and living with the effects of their diagnosis.
CONCLUSION
This in house CNS led patient education course has an impact on quality of life and improves patient experience. The course provides a framework that can be easily utilised, followed and adapted by other healthy care professionals in providing education and support to brain tumour patients and their families.