Journal of pediatric oncology nursing : official journal of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses
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J Pediatr Oncol Nurs · Jan 2015
Comparative StudyUsing colors to assess pain in toddlers: validation of "the rainbow pain scale"-a proof-of-principle study.
Self-report, when available, is considered the ideal way to assess the intensity and other aspects of pain in children. However, self-report scales are often too complex cognitively for preschool-aged children (2-4 years). The Rainbow Pain Scale (RPS) was developed to provide individualized self-reported pain ratings for preschool-aged children. ⋯ Cohen's κ between scales was 1.0 at the first clinic visit, .95 at the second visit, and .87 at the third visit. The RPS shows excellent concurrent validity with the FPS-R in school-aged children. The next step will be to examine the psychometric properties of the RPS in preschool-aged children.
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J Pediatr Oncol Nurs · Jul 2014
ReviewCentral Venous Catheter Flushing Recommendations: A Systematic Evidence-Based Practice Review.
Treatment for many children with blood disorders or cancer includes the use of central venous catheters (CVCs). Few prospective studies have been conducted to address flushing guidelines in pediatric hematology oncology patients. Eighteen pediatric hematology oncology units were surveyed regarding current CVC flushing policies and procedures. Results reported extreme variations in CVC flush procedures, which instigated this systematic review. ⋯ Weak recommendation for daily flushing of noninfusing Broviac/Hickman catheters and accessed implanted ports may be made. There was not sufficient evidence for heparin volume or concentration recommendations. No recommendations can be reported for peripherally inserted central venous catheters. Further research is indicated for CVC flushing procedures in pediatric hematology oncology patients.
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J Pediatr Oncol Nurs · Mar 2014
ReviewQuality of life and symptoms in pediatric brain tumor survivors: a systematic review.
Little is known about the quality of life of children and youth under the age of 20 who have completed treatment for a pediatric brain tumor. This systematic review was conducted to (a) describe the health-related quality of life (HRQL) outcomes in pediatric brain tumor survivors, (b) identify instruments used to measure HRQL, and (c) determine the relationship between symptoms and HRQL. Using a systematic search and review methodology, databases searched included CINAHL, Medline, Embase, and PsycInfo. ⋯ Only 3 studies explored the relationship between symptoms, including pain or fatigue, and HRQL in pediatric brain tumor survivors. The relationship between symptoms and HRQL was not well elucidated. More research is needed to explore the multidimensional symptom experience and HRQL outcomes in pediatric brain tumor survivors.
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J Pediatr Oncol Nurs · Jan 2014
ReviewManagement of febrile neutropenia in pediatric oncology across Queensland, Australia: a retrospective review on variations between locations.
Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a common complication in pediatric oncology with intravenous antibiotics being given routinely for decades. This study aimed to compare the management of FN in children in different locations across Queensland, Australia. FN episodes were identified from 4 settings: tertiary oncology outpatient department (OD), tertiary emergency department (ED), regional ward (RW), and regional emergency department (RED) between July 2009 and June 2011. ⋯ Antibiotics were commenced within 60 minutes (the gold standard) on only 10 occasions. Despite education input emphasizing the importance of early commencement of antibiotics, this study identified that this objective was not met in the majority of cases. Further study is needed to look at reasons for the delay in beginning treatment for pediatric oncology patients in Queensland and what measures may assist with improving the time from presentation with FN to antibiotic administration across all settings.
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J Pediatr Oncol Nurs · Jan 2014
Fatigue in adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease: biological and behavioral correlates and health-related quality of life.
This descriptive, correlational study examined fatigue and potential biological and behavioral correlates in adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease. Sixty adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease completed the Brief Fatigue Inventory, Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form, Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) fatigue short form and measures of pain, sleep quality, anxiety, depressive mood, stress, disease severity, and quality of life. Blood samples were obtained for hemoglobin and cytokines. ⋯ Fatigue was not correlated with cytokines or age, nor differed by disease severity. Fatigue was common in these adolescents and young adults, interfered with daily activities such as school, work and exercise, and significantly correlated with several potentially modifiable factors. As life expectancy increases in sickle cell disease, research is needed to test interventions to reduce fatigue.