The role of a specialist NTM nurse in a UK NTM centre

<bold>Background:</bold> Globally there has been an increase in patients with non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). There is limited guidance on the infrastructure required to manage these patients. Unlike patients with tuberculosis, most patients with NTM-PD do not have access to a specialist nurse. At our institution we have trained a specialist nurse. <bold>Methods:</bold> Patients with previously treated or on active NTM treatment attending an outpatient clinic from January to February 2024 were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire to evaluate the perceived patient benefits of having an NTM nurse. <bold>Results:</bold> All 13 patients who were asked, completed the survey. Eleven (85%) strongly agreed that having access to an NTM nurse improved their experience. All patients said the nurse facilitated their understanding. The majority positively responded to other areas of support [Figure 1]. Eleven (85%) patients felt the NTM nurse should contact them monthly. The preferred contact format was by telephone. Eleven (85%) patients strongly agreed that all patients with NTM-PD would benefit from access to an NTM nurse. Feedback included: “The nurse provides invaluable care. The service would not be able to provide the level of care it provides without her”. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> A dedicated NTM nurse is greatly valued by patients to navigate the complexities of diagnosis and treatment. We advocate that globally all patients with NTM-PD should be case managed by an NTM nurse. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA3267/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>