Journal of pediatric oncology nursing : official journal of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses
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J Pediatr Oncol Nurs · Nov 2012
Review Meta AnalysisParental decision making for children with cancer at the end of life: a meta-ethnography.
Parents of pediatric oncology patients are faced with difficult decisions when their child reaches the end of life. For health care providers to provide optimal care, they must understand parents' perspectives and preferences in end-of-life decision making. ⋯ Parents participated in surveys, focus groups, participant observation, and interviews to help researchers understand the expectations, hopes, fears, and values that guide their decision making. Common themes were patient-provider communication, extending time, and understanding prognosis.
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J Pediatr Oncol Nurs · Nov 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialA crossover randomized prospective pilot study evaluating a central venous catheter team in reducing catheter-related bloodstream infections in pediatric oncology patients.
Treatment for most children with cancer includes the use of a central venous catheter (CVC). CVCs provide reliable venous access for delivery of chemotherapy and supportive care. This advantage is mitigated by an increased risk of bloodstream infections (BSIs). Despite the ubiquitous use of CVCs, few prospective studies have been conducted to address infection prevention strategies in pediatric oncology patients. ⋯ A CVC team in the care of pediatric oncology patients is feasible; however, a larger cohort will be required to adequately determine the effectiveness of the team reducing CVC-related BSIs.