Seminars in oncology nursing
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The prevalence of exercise as an adjunct therapy to cancer treatments including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery is growing rapidly and has been shown to improve health outcomes, treatment completion rates, and quality of life in people affected by cancer. Given the complexity of delivering cancer services during coronavirus disease (COVID-19), many people who are undergoing cancer treatment are unable to access exercise services. This review aims to investigate: (1) the feasibility of exercise telehealth interventions for individuals diagnosed with cancer; and (2) the impact of exercise telehealth interventions for people affected by cancer on physical and psychosocial outcomes. ⋯ Telehealth uses telecommunications technology as a tool to deliver health care to populations with limited access to cancer care. Quality care of a person living with cancer requires multidisciplinary team-based care and telecommunications technology can support interprofessional care. This review has underscored that telecommunications is a critical tool in the delivery of cancer care to enable timely ongoing support for exercise interventions for those affected by cancer. It remains important for people affected by cancer to continue to engage in and maintain regular exercise under the guidance of qualified health professionals in keeping with evidence-based clinical guidelines.
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To provide a critical reflection of COVID-19 in the context of oncology nursing and provide recommendations for caring for people affected by cancer during this pandemic. ⋯ It is too early to tell what shape this pandemic will take and its impact on oncology care. However, several important clinical considerations have been discussed to inform oncology nursing care and practice.
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To discuss current recommendations and resources for nurses to ensure they advocate for patients with cytokine release syndrome (CRS). ⋯ Nursing plays a pivotal role in the CAR T patients' treatment course because they are the first line of defense in the care of these patients. Providers and patients both rely on nursing knowledge and training to recognize symptoms of CRS and neurotoxicity. With the early recognition of the signs and symptoms of CRS and neurotoxicity, nursing will help improve the outcomes of the patients receiving CAR T-cell therapy.
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To review current opioid guidelines, public policy, and legal challenges that can threaten optimal management of cancer pain. ⋯ To provide excellent care, nurses must understand current policies affecting delivery of pain care to oncology patients and serve as patient advocates in the evolving policy debates.
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To describe which cannabinoids and terpenes are effective for treating pain. ⋯ Understanding the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids, terpenes, routes of administration, potential drug interactions, clinical implications, and potential side effects ensures nurses can better assist patients who use cannabis for the treatment of cancer pain.