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Bisphosphonates Oncology Nurses Education - BONE

A methodical, easy to follow and extremely relevant educational tool on using bisphosphonates was launched recently by EONS at the 5th EONS Spring Convention in Innsbruck, Austria in April. BONE (Bisphosphonates Oncology Nurses Education pack), a joint initiative with Roche, will help oncology nurses determine the best course of advice and treatment for patients with metastatic bone disease (MBD). The self-learning educational tool aims to advance clinical nursing practice by raising awareness of MBD and the issues surrounding patient management, while also providing information on recent advances in the availability of bisphosphonates to treat MBD. A survey conducted by EONS in 2004 indicated a real need for information and education on bisphosphonates, particularly safety profiles, infusion time, indications, pharmacology, side effects and renal impairment.

Following a comprehensive review and pilot testing phase, which involved senior oncology nurses and community specialist palliative care nurses across the UK, the pack has now been formally accredited by EONS and is now available for use. Described by one reviewing nurse as being ‘a really good reference source, well-pitched and very clear’, the pack has been exceptionally well-received and it is hoped that nurses across Europe will benefit from it.

The education pack contains three modules on metastatic bone disease, the use of bisphosphonates, patient management issues, and a series of questions which enable nurses to test their knowledge of the subject. In addition a patient case study is included to ensure the theory covered by the pack can be effectively translated into a practical context. The pack has been designed as a self-learning course to fit in with busy lifestyles and job responsibilities and takes approximately five hours to complete in total. Eventually it is hoped that EONS accreditation points will be available for successful completion of the pack enabling nurses to submit their answers for review and subsequent awarding of points.

The first module, which provides a basic insight into MBD, introduces the disease outlining its pathophysiology and the incidence in different cancer types. It also covers complications, symptoms and the burden/impact on patients and healthcare resources. Finally the module looks at treatment goals in terms of relief of bone pain and prevention of skeletal events, and a history of treatment strategies.

The second module focuses on the use of bisphosphonates in the treatment of MBD, reviewing the role of the four most widely used bisphosphonates; ibandronate, clodronate, pamidronate and zoledronic acid. The module looks at bisphosphonate efficacy, administration, tolerability and safety and is intended to help raise awareness of new developments in treatment options such as oral formulations. The third and final module covers management issues in patients with MBD including metastatic bone pain, convenience of treatment and safety aspects, while also considering current guidelines on the area.

The education pack, which is available in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish, can be obtained through your national society, by contacting the EONS secretariat (eons.secretariat@cancernurse.eu) or by emailing BONE@shirehealthlondon.com

EONS and Roche would like to thank all those involved in the development, review and pilot testing phase of the project for their contribution to this valuable educational resource.