Oncology nursing forum
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Oncology nursing forum · Jul 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialA pilot randomized trial evaluating low-level laser therapy as an alternative treatment to manual lymphatic drainage for breast cancer-related lymphedema.
To examine the impact of advanced practice nurse (APN)-administered low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as both a stand-alone and complementary treatment for arm volume, symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema. ⋯ Lasers may provide effective, less burdensome treatment for lymphedema. APNs with lymphedema certification can effectively treat this patient population with the use of LLLT. In addition, bioelectrical impedance and tape measurements can be used to assess lymphedema.
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Oncology nursing forum · Jul 2013
Family caregiver burden, skills preparedness, and quality of life in non-small cell lung cancer.
To describe burden, skills preparedness, and quality of life (QOL) for caregivers of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and describe how the findings informed the development of a caregiver palliative care intervention that aims to reduce caregiver burden, improve caregiving skills, and promote self-care. ⋯ Although family caregivers are profoundly impacted by a loved one's lung cancer diagnosis, the literature about caregiver burden, skills preparedness, and QOL is limited. Current evidence suggests that family caregivers can be negatively impacted by a loved one's cancer diagnosis. Caregiver-specific support interventions are needed to eliminate the burden of caregiving in lung cancer.
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Oncology nursing forum · Jul 2013
Clinical TrialFeasibility of a targeted breast health education intervention for Chinese American immigrant women.
To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a targeted educational intervention to increase mammography screening among Chinese American women. ⋯ Targeted breast health intervention is feasible for improving mammography screening among Chinese immigrant women. Educating these women about early detection is important, as the first sign of breast cancer usually shows on a woman's mammogram before it can be felt or any other symptoms are present. Immigrant women may be too busy to dedicate proper time to self-care behaviors; therefore, making it easier and faster for them to obtain a mammogram may improve the screening rate.
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Oncology nursing forum · Jul 2013
Psychosocial predictors of depression among older African American patients with cancer.
To determine whether psychosocial factors predict depression among older African American patients with cancer. ⋯ Among older African American patients with cancer, emotional support and reassurance from family and friends that they will not abandon them decreases the likelihood of depressive symptoms and minimizes the impact of stigmatizing responses, but the perception that the illness is placing a strain on the family increases the likelihood of such symptoms. Emotional support likely is a stronger predictor of depressive symptoms than religious service attendance.
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Oncology nursing forum · Jul 2013
Development and evaluation of targeted psychological skills training for oncology nurses in managing stressful patient and family encounters.
To reduce workplace stress by developing a brief psychological skills training for nurses and to evaluate program feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy in decreasing burnout and stress. ⋯ Specific stressors in relationships with patients and families present challenges to nurses' therapeutic use of self. Targeted psychological skills training may help nurses problem-solve difficult encounters while taking care of themselves. System-level strategies are needed to support and promote training participation.