On the 15th and 16th of November, our UK team had the pleasure of attending the UK Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS) Annual Conference 2024 at Manchester Central. This much-anticipated event provided an incredible platform to reconnect with oncology nursing professionals from across the country and share insights into scalp cooling and its role in improving the patient experience during chemotherapy.
At the Paxman stand, our team was on hand to exhibit the Paxman Scalp Cooling System, highlighting its features, ease of use, and the science behind its effectiveness in reducing chemotherapy-induced hair loss. Visitors were able to explore the technology firsthand and learn about the evidence-based best practices that support its use in clinical settings.
One of the highlights of the event was offering visitors the chance to experience the scalp cooling system for themselves. In a patient interview conducted for one of our case studies, Alice, having used the Paxman Scalp Cooling System, expressed her belief that nurses should try on the cold cap to understand how it truly feels in order to avoid any negativity from nurses – a “don’t knock it until you’ve tried it” attitude.
At UKONS, we put this into practice by inviting nurses to wear the cold cap and experience the initial cooling sensation. During this session, our team also demonstrated techniques for achieving the best cap fit, ensuring that participants gained practical knowledge that can enhance the patient experience. This hands-on approach proved invaluable, as it allowed nurses to empathise with patients and appreciate the tolerability of the treatment – findings that are supported by past clinical studies.
Beyond the demonstrations, our time at UKONS was dedicated to engaging with oncology nursing professionals in meaningful conversations. We aligned diaries for upcoming training sessions and meetings, shared educational materials, and reaffirmed best practices for implementing scalp cooling in clinical environments.
The Paxman Scalp Cooling System is present in 98% of all UK cancer treatment facilities – both private and NHS – therefore our main goal at conferences such as UKONS is to ensure that nurses and hospital staff are fully educated and trained on how to deliver scalp cooling effectively for optimal results.
It was also a privilege to reconnect with many familiar faces and strengthen relationships with nurses we hadn’t seen in several years. Equally rewarding was the opportunity to meet and establish new connections with first-time attendees, who shared a passion for improving patient care through innovative approaches like scalp cooling.
Our experience at UKONS 2024 reaffirmed the importance of collaboration and continuous education in enhancing the quality of care for patients undergoing chemotherapy. We left Manchester inspired by the enthusiasm and dedication of the oncology nursing community and are excited about the future opportunities to work together in supporting patients on their treatment journeys.
