Evaluating the care of patients with malignant spinal cord compression at a regional cancer centre

The consequences of malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) can be devastating. If not detected early, MSCC can result in paralysis and significant bowel and bladder dysfunction that is not improved by treatment. Patients have to cope with sudden and unexpected disability alongside a diagnosis of advanced cancer. A multidisciplinary group was established within a cancer centre to review the care of patients with MSCC. Two linked studies were carried out: a staff questionnaire sent to senior medical staff and all nurses and an audit of documentation. The documentation audit reviewed the notes of 50 patients who had received radiotherapy for MSCC. The symptoms patients presented with on admission and before discharge demonstrated that many experienced significant physical problems as a consequence of developing MSCC. Usually, these symptoms were either unaffected by treatment, or had deteriorated further by the time of their discharge from hospital. The average number of days between admission with MSCC and death was 58.6 days (range 2 to 319 days). The project identified variations in practice in a range of aspects of care and provided clear evidence for the need to develop interventions in relation to specific concerns.