BSGE endorsed recommendations to support the endometriosis CNS role

Agenda For Change Banding

Endometriosis CNS should be banded at AFC 7, or as AFC 6 with a clear pathway to progress to AFC 7 within a set timeframe (1 year).

Time allocated to the CNS role within a BSGE Specialist Endometriosis Centre

This must be at least 10 hours per week, protected time dedicated solely to the endometriosis CNS role.

The expectation from the BSGE is that the amount of protected hours would increase in line with the number of specialist consultants within the service (recommendation of additional hours of CNS time per endometriosis consultant/number of patients within the service is under review).

Key elements to the CNS role

It is expected that the CNS holds a regular endometriosis CNS clinic weekly.

It is expected that CNS develops resources/ services accessible to patients and multidisciplinary team for primary and secondary care.

It is expected that the CNS has a strong background in gynaecology nursing and is educated to Masters level (or working towards).

The BSGE advises each centre follows the recommendations in the RCN guidance on the role of the Endometriosis CNS (add link here).

It is expected that each centre follows the guidance set out by NICE (add link here).

Mentoring

A register of approved mentors is being set up (please contact Atia if you would be interested in joining this)

The aim is that each endometriosis CNS new to the role is attached to a mentor who will support the CNS for the first year of their role and ensure and sign off BSGE set competencies within that year.  More information to follow.

Education and professional development

It is a requirement that each endometriosis CNS attends the BSGE ASM at least biannually.

We are in the process of developing an educational programme that will be accessible virtually through the BSGE.  Completion of these modules within a year of being in post will become a requirement for each CNS (more information to follow).

As this is a multiskilled role with options for development as required locally, options of additional education and skills include formal and informal training (this is not an exhaustive list):

• Sonography: transvaginal scanning; rectal beam scanning
• Advanced knowledge in pain assessment; evaluation and management
• Non-medical prescriber
• Surgical assistant;

– basic, intermediate and advanced laparoscopic skills

– basic, intermediate and advanced counselling

• Consent and legality
• Counselling

– basic intermediate and advanced counselling (formal and informal)

– psychosexual counselling

– cognitive behavioral therapy

• Alternative therapies e.g. reflexology; acupuncture; massage
• Diet, nutrition and exercise
• Bowel and bladder function: assessment; evaluation and management
• Pelvic neuropathy: assessment; evaluation and function.
• Leadership
• Implementing change skills and knowledge
• Teaching/ presenting
• Audit and research