Optimal management of carcinoid syndrome in patients with neuroendocrine tumors poses a challenge, due to the fact that the primary symptoms of carcinoid syndrome are associated with more common diseases. Because timely recognition is difficult, symptoms of carcinoid syndrome can negatively impact patients' quality of life and functioning.
Baseline data collected from a continuing nursing education (CNE)-approved Oncology Nursing Strategy Session titled Optimizing Management of Carcinoid Syndrome in Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors revealed knowledge gaps surrounding carcinoid syndrome risk assessment and treatment selection.
The strategy session, which was available online from March 9, 2018, to March 8, 2019, was completed by 655 participants, including 589 registered nurses, 14 nurse practitioners, 1 physician, and 26 others. Participants had an average of 18 years in practice and saw an average of 5 patients with carcinoid syndrome per month. According to the results of pretests administered prior to the activity's commencement, knowledge at baseline was as follows:
Participants answered the same questions upon completion of the activity to determine if their understanding of carcinoid syndrome symptoms and treatment had improved, yielding the following results:
While participant competence in recognizing and managing the symptoms and complications of carcinoid syndrome increased substantially, competence in treatment selection improved but remained suboptimal, indicating an area of educational need. Additionally, gaps between actual practice and evidence-based practice were present. Therefore, further education is needed regarding recognition of carcinoid syndrome symptoms and complications, symptom management, treatment selection, and management of treatment-related adverse events.
Upon completion of the activity, 93% of participants reported that they felt more confident in treating their patients with carcinoid syndrome and that they would use the material presented to improve the outcomes of their patients.
For More Information
i3 Health (2019). Optimizing management of carcinoid syndrome in patients with neuroendocrine tumors: activity outcomes summary report. Data on file.