Oncology nursing forum
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Oncology nursing forum · Nov 2008
ReviewThe use of risk-management approaches to protect patients with cancer-related pain and their healthcare providers.
To describe the factors that contribute to the risk for undertreatment of cancer pain, as well as the risk factors associated with misuse or abuse of opioid analgesics, and to describe approaches to identify and manage the risks. ⋯ Clinicians must be cognizant of the fact that a significant risk exists for undertreatment of cancer pain. In addition, oncology nurses should recognize patients who are at risk for abuse or addiction or who are actively abusing opioid analgesics and establish appropriate safeguards for patients with cancer and oncology clinicians.
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Oncology nursing forum · Nov 2008
Assessing nurses' attitudes toward death and caring for dying patients in a comprehensive cancer center.
To assess how nurses employed in a comprehensive cancer center feel about death and caring for dying patients and examine any relationships between their attitudes and demographic factors. ⋯ Based on the data collected in the study, less experienced oncology nurses will most likely benefit from increased education, training, and exposure to providing and coping effectively with end-of-life care.
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Oncology nursing forum · Sep 2008
Multicenter StudyExploring patient-physician communication in breast cancer care for African American women following primary treatment.
To investigate patient-physician communication from the patient's perspective about guidelines and sources of information used in developing survivorship care and preferred avenues for information delivery to African American breast cancer survivors. ⋯ The present study's findings highlight the need expressed by breast cancer survivors for comprehensive guidance from healthcare providers in developing plans of care that improve patients' quality of life and target recurrence risk. Guidelines are available for dissemination and use in medical settings; however, the guidelines have not been incorporated into standard medical practice for patients with cancer. Information about long-term follow-up care after primary treatment should target the specific needs of survivors from diverse ethnic, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds to promote understanding of surveillance to detect recurrence, long-term effects of cancer treatments, and general health maintenance.
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Oncology nursing forum · Sep 2008
Strength, physical activity, and age predict fatigue in older breast cancer survivors.
To determine whether clinical characteristics, physical fitness, or physical activity predict fatigue in older, long-term breast cancer survivors. ⋯ A physical activity program aimed at improving lower body strength could mitigate persistent fatigue in older, long-term breast cancer survivors.
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Oncology nursing forum · Jul 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of exercise on biomarkers, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and depressive symptoms in older women with breast cancer receiving hormonal therapy.
To compare the effectiveness of a prescribed home-based walking exercise intervention with usual care in older women receiving hormonal treatment for breast cancer, and to examine relationships among levels of the cortisol, serotonin, interleukin-6, and bilirubin biomarkers and fatigue, sleep disturbances, and depressive symptoms. ⋯ Clinicians need to be aware that older women receiving hormonal treatment for their breast cancer may experience fatigue, sleep disturbances, and depressive symptoms. Homebased walking activity may reduce symptom severity in this group.