Support from nurses around time of diagnosis

Receiving a diagnosis of myeloma is often a challenging time for patients, their families and carers. Alongside clinical care, as advocates for patient-centred approaches and experienced communicators, nurses are uniquely positioned to also provide emotional support and tailored guidance. A nurse’s presence and input can make a significant difference to how individuals and their families understand and cope with the diagnosis. This might include:

• Exploring understanding and needs: engaging patients, families, and carers in open conversation to explore their current understanding of the diagnosis. Information should be accurate, relevant, and accessible—considering literacy, language, and preferred format. Interpreters should be involved when needed.
• Providing a reassuring presence: being present during key consultations not only offers emotional support but also helps reinforce and clarify complex information once the consultation has ended.
• Facilitating emotional expression: inviting individuals to share how they feel following the diagnosis can help identify emotional distress, uncertainty, or fear. Understanding these responses can guide the nurse’s supportive interventions. Creating space for silence and reflection are also central to effective communication.
• Facilitating shared decision making: patients should feel empowered and able to be involved in decisions made about their treatment and care.
• Assessing psychosocial wellbeing: considering the emotional and psychological impact of the diagnosis alongside physical health, nurses can identify areas where additional support may be needed and initiate appropriate interventions.
• Conducting holistic assessments: holistic needs assessments should encompass support systems, home circumstances, relationships, work status, and the impact of illness on daily living and identity.
• Coordinating care and referrals: nurses play a key role in referring to other healthcare professionals when required—this may include physiotherapists, dietitians, clinical nurse specialists, palliative care professionals, social workers, GPs, or community nurses. Coordinating care ensures that patients receive timely, multidisciplinary support across settings.