NECA attended the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) 26th Annual Congress, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. There are around 7,200+ Cancer Nurses in Australia, of which around 10% have completed the Neuroendocrine Cancer HCP Accredited Education Modules.
This year’s congress focused on the challenges and opportunities of our digital age. NECA held an exhibition display at the conference and was also selected for two podium presentations. NECA CEO, Meredith Cummins presentation was on ‘The impact and complexities of an online peer support group for people impacted by neuroendocrine cancer; the patient-centred virtual care community of sharing’, and NET Nurse Cristelle presented ‘How NECA are using digital strategies to raise awareness about Neuroendocrine Cancer and delivery essential resources and support’.
Cristelle’s presentation focused on how NECA’s National Awareness Campaign and digital strategy is raising the profile of NETs, and NET symptoms, amongst health care professionals and the general population. Throughout the awareness campaign NECA created additional resources, shared patients stories and promoted the Optimal care pathway for neuroendocrine cancer. Also highlighted, was how the implementation of a search engine optimisation (SEO) strategy, has raised the profile of NECA’s website resources and support online. So now, when people are searching for credible evidenced based Australian information, the website is prominent. A positive flow on from the awareness campaign and digital strategy has been observed by the NET nurses. With an increase in new people contacting NECA for support and resources, and an increase in the number of people calling during or at the time of diagnosis.
Meredith’s presentation highlighted that neuroendocrine tumour (NET) diagnosis and treatment differs to most cancer types, and resources are scarce, this compounds the need for a community of sharing with those who understand this unique experience. A survey was conducted to explore experiences of those affected by NETs within the online peer support community of the NECA Private Discussion Facebook Group and how this moderated patient-centred virtual care hub contributes to meeting supportive and informative care needs in an under-resourced cancer population. Key topics discussed online were identified and the impact these had on the NET community, however, some having a negative impact. Over 80% of respondents though, report joining the group has been positive for their knowledge gaining, general mood, coping and well-being. Insights were gained into the unique needs of our NET community . Most completing the survey would not change anything however for many the presence of the NET nurses was greatly valued and this contributes to meeting the needs of those living with NETs across the online community.
