RESUMO
This article illustrates the planning, implementation, evaluation and personal implications of a link-nurse programme for colorectal cancer nursing. The programme was designed to maintain a patient-centred support service and continue the provision of bowel cancer education and support to nurses in the clinical environment. Literature on previous link-nurse schemes, and the recent legislation on education and cancer nursing provides the background on which this programme is based. The use of educational theory supplies the theoretical underpinnings for this approach to learning, and evaluation findings are reported from both the group's and the individual's viewpoints. The programme increased the link nurses' awareness of the patient's pathway, support and information needs and the role of the multidisciplinary team in managing care. Sufficient time, support and encouragement from ward teams and clinical managers were seen as vital to the success of the programme, and specific benefits and challenges when establishing this type of practice based education for nurses are explored.
