Pioneers on endocrinology’s next frontier

Today saw the beginning of a new era in endocrine care. The biggest advances are not taking place in the laboratory or on the operating table, although there is still much ground to be made here, but at the bedside. The Endocrine Nurse is the new pioneer of endocrinology, as was made abundantly clear during today’s Nurse’s Networking Session which for the first time involved patient groups.

This is an exciting time for the Endocrine Nurse. Networks are springing up everywhere, prompting greater collaboration between centers and between professionals. The first meeting of Polish Endocrine Nurses took place earlier this year and the session opened with a presentation on the state of the nation. Although nursing in Poland has its challenges ahead, in particular the high average age of those in nursing, there are many promising and innovative developments. Presenting, Alina Różànska described the involvement of a psychologist in the Gliwice clinic to develop a stress thermometer to monitor patient behavior and quality of life, which led to lengthy discussion. Said one of the audience:

“As a patient, anxieties and fears are as much a part of the condition as the body chemistry.”

Other speakers included Arlene Smith (UK) of the newly launched Turner Syndrome International website (http://tsint.org), who recounted her experiences as a mother of a now 27 year old with Turner Syndrome. Frustration with the quality of readily-available information has shaped her life, and led her to become one of the foremost advocates for the patient with TS:

“Misinformation can cause immense stress and sometimes catastrophic breakdown.”

And this is where the rest of the session focused; on how to join together and collaborate to ensure that the best and most reliable information is provided to every patient worldwide. The Nurses and Patient Groups gathered today are the pioneers of this new future, which will be built together with endocrinologists of all backgrounds. Exciting times indeed!

Endocrine Nurses worldwide are invited to take part in any of ESE’s nursing initiatives, which include becoming a Nurse Member, sitting on the ESE Nurses’ Working Group or joining the ESE Nurse Network. Visit the ESE Nurses’ page for more information on all of these.