Journal of pediatric oncology nursing : official journal of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses
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J Pediatr Oncol Nurs · Nov 2013
Impact of social support on bereaved siblings' anxiety: a nationwide follow-up.
To assess adolescent and young adult siblings' perception of social support prior to and following the loss of their brother or sister to cancer, 2 to 9 years earlier, and their anxiety at follow-up. ⋯ Bereaved siblings had a greater probability to report self-assessed anxiety if they perceived that their need for social support was not satisfied prior to and following death. Information from both nurses and other health care professionals to families about the impact of social support may contribute to lessen the siblings' risk of anxiety.
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J Pediatr Oncol Nurs · Nov 2013
ReviewEffectiveness of integrative modalities for pain and anxiety in children and adolescents with cancer: a systematic review.
Throughout the trajectory of the cancer experience, children and adolescents will likely face pain and anxiety in a variety of circumstances. Integrative therapies may be used either alone or as an adjunct to standard analgesics. Children are often very receptive to integrative therapies such as music, art, guided imagery, massage, therapeutic play, distraction, and other modalities. ⋯ Of these, 25 warranted full-text review. Cohen's d calculations show medium (d = 0.70) to extremely large (8.57) effect sizes indicating that integrative interventions may be very effective for pain and anxiety in children undergoing cancer treatment. Integrative modalities warrant further study with larger sample sizes to better determine their effectiveness in this population.
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J Pediatr Oncol Nurs · Sep 2013
Pain assessment during a vaso-occlusive crisis in the pediatric and adolescent patient: rethinking practice.
Pain assessment of the child and adolescent with sickle cell disease is complex and challenging. We present a paradigm of pain assessment during a vaso-occlusive crisis in children and adolescents based on the Pain Assessment as a Social Transaction model. Using this model, the assessment of pain severity in sickle cell disease is uniquely highlighted as comprising at least 4 key factors: the limitations of current pain assessment tools, the existence of acute pain of various origins and the emergence and coexistence of chronic pain, the prevalence of cognitive deficits, and the sociocultural dynamics in America. Improved tools for pain assessment and targeted practitioner education are warranted.
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J Pediatr Oncol Nurs · Jul 2013
Care of children with sickle cell disease in the emergency department: parent and provider perspectives inform quality improvement efforts.
Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) present to the emergency department (ED) with complex medical and behavioral health needs. Little research has been conducted to understand elements necessary to provide a comprehensive approach. We conducted 9 focus groups and 2 individual interviews with ED nurses, ED physicians, parents, 1 SCD nurse practitioner, and 1 SCD hematologist in 6 states. ⋯ Decisions included triage, analgesic management, diagnostic evaluation, disposition, and high risk evaluation and referrals needed at discharge. Participants identified critical areas that can be used to organize and improve the assessment, management, and disposition/referral decisions in order to provide better care to children with SCD in the ED. Parent input was critical for each decision.
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J Pediatr Oncol Nurs · May 2013
Enhancing pediatric oncology nursing care through research, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice.
Research, quality improvement (QI), and evidence-based practice (EBP) are knowledge-based methods used to enhance nursing practice. Nurses need to conduct studies to fill empirical gaps of knowledge (research), continually monitor health care practices and processes (QI), and systematically compile and review evidence (EBP). Research, QI, and EBP are valuable instruments within the health care setting as they can benefit the patient, families, health care team members, and the nursing profession, but it is important to understand when and how to use each method. ⋯ Clinical issues and concerns can transform practices based on evidence through the proper use of these methods. Nurses are highly motivated to create the best possible environment of healing for their patients. Therefore, it is essential that nurses use research, QI, and EBP so pediatric oncology knowledge can continue to evolve.