NURSE-lED ChESt DRAIN ClINIC: A CASE StUDy of ChANGE fRom NAtIoNAl hEAlth SyStEm IN UK

Abstract

Background and Objective: There are many nurse-led clinics now in the UK, such as Chest-Pain, Endoscopy and Bronchiectasis Clinics. Herein, we present the project of Nurse-led Chest Drain Clinic in Guy’s and St Thomas, s Hospital, London. The aim is to analyze this change project. Methods: A project of change was designed to set up an outpatient clinic run by specialist clinical nurses for patients discharged home with an ambulatory chest drain system in situ. The project is observed and analyzed via interviews with the responsible nurses. Results: The clinic was established in 2005 and run by two Nurse Case Managers. 60 patients were seen in 2007 and the clinic remained well attended. Patients were happy to spend less time in hospital as they could stay safely with their families. Conclusions: A safe at home management of long-term chest drains was provided by this nurse-led clinic.