Clinical journal of oncology nursing
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Ambulatory and outpatient centers constantly are challenged with administrating cancer treatments in an efficient and safe way. With the advent of numerous novel cancer medications known to cause hypersensitivity reactions, nurses have become experts in managing these emergencies. ⋯ That is largely a result of nurses' ability to immediately identify the need for emergency intervention, thus preventing the sequelae of patient deterioration that could lead to cardiopulmonary arrest. This article describes how the authors' institution developed methods to improve emergency care by bridging the gap between knowledge and experience of handling life-threatening emergencies.
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The oncology population is particularly affected by hospital readmissions because hospitalized patients with cancer often have complex needs. The complexity and diversity of care requirements create substantial challenges in planning for appropriate postdischarge support. Implementing postdischarge telephone calls in the population of patients with cancer could offer a low-cost intervention to address the complex needs of patients during the transition from hospital to home. ⋯ Findings from this review support the notion that discharge phone calls could improve care continuity for patients transitioning from hospital to home. The literature review outlines information related to telephone call content, timing, and structure for healthcare systems that want to use a postdischarge telephone intervention for patients with cancer. However, additional research is needed to develop and test cancer-specific protocols.
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Attention to the pain that occurs during treatments and procedures for pediatric patients with cancer continues to be a priority. This article describes the development of a pain effectiveness outcome measure at an academic pediatric medical center in order to inform about the implementation of quality improvement strategies and evaluate the effect of these pain interventions within the hospital setting.
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To assess the efficacy and tolerability of topically applied low-concentration (less than 1%) capsaicin for treating chronic neuropathic pain in adults.
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Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are perceived as an alternative to standard tobacco cigarette smoking, primarily because of the e-cigarette industry's marketing messages. However, scientific studies about e-cigarette safety and efficacy remain limited. This column presents some of the issues associated with e-cigarette use, such as potential components of regulation, perceptions that e-cigarettes can help users quit smoking, and free-wheeling marketing strategies that include expanding e-cigarette use to young people. Nurses can be a reliable source of information about e-cigarettes.