Members of the cancer research and Clinical Research Facility teams have been using telemedicine to provide patients with a consistent, efficient and local service.Telemedicine, the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients through communications technology, is increasingly seen as a solution to the challenges in healthcare for the future.
In collaboration with Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, a multi-disciplinary team facilitated the launch of a virtual clinic, with a camera on each site. Initial trial participants were invited to complete a questionnaire about their experiences.
Navdeep Brar, Research Nurse and the lead nurse for this work at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals said: “Feedback from trial participants was positive, with the main areas highlighted being the importance of continuity of care, experiencing shorter waiting times, quicker treatment, and research nurse support through service changes. We are excited to see how this will progress.”
The NIHR Clinical Research Facility opened officially on 21 November 2017; an innovative collaboration providing a unique combination of both physical and mental health research expertise. The facility provides on the doorstep research opportunities for patients throughout Lancashire and south Cumbria
Members of the team have been shortlisted for a national Nursing Times award in the category of “Technology and Data in Nursing” for their work.