European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society
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Review Comparative Study
Adolescents & young adults: issues in transition from active therapy into follow-up care.
The development of services focused on addressing the needs of Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) cancer patients as they transition from active therapy into follow-up care is an area of growth, development and research across the globe. This is important as much of the empirical literature and service development to date has focused on children or older adults. In Victoria, Australia, as elsewhere, survivorship studies focusing on the AYA age group are needed to answer questions regarding their medical, psychological and social needs. This article examines the qualitative exploration of the findings of a small focus group study with young people and the subsequent development of a practice framework by the onTrac@PeterMac Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service. ⋯ The research findings supported the development of a practice framework designed to assist in the management of AYA living with cancer in Victoria. Results also supported previously documented evidence that indicate gaps in cancer knowledge and services provided to this age group. Further collaborative research is required to understand AYA treatment and survivorship issues to assist in the development of more formalised aged appropriate protocols.
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Review
Policy and practice in teenage and young adult cancer care in England: looking to the future.
This paper outlines the current policy and service developments for the provision of cancer care for teenagers, young adults and their families in England. Key implications in terms of the settings and place of care, the centrality of the multidisciplinary team, the improvement of outcomes in TYA cancer care together with psychosocial issues are examined in more depth alongside the existing evidence base. In terms of the development of high quality, accessible specialist TYA cancer care and the development of a rigorous evidence base for the practice of TYA cancer care the next few years are crucial. The way forward is complex and challenging but the framework is in place in England to comprehensively improve the care and outcomes of teenagers and young adults with cancer.
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It is essential to minimize pain and distress during painful procedures in children. This study examined the effect of using non-immersive Virtual Reality (VR) during a needle-related procedure on reported pain or distress of children and adolescents in a paediatric oncology unit and surveyed their response to the use of VR-equipment during the procedure. ⋯ The interviews showed that non-immersive VR is a positive experience for children undergoing a minor procedure such as venous puncture or a subcutaneous venous port access.
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User involvement is widely promoted within the European healthcare sector as an effective means of developing patient-centred health services. In addition, user involvement is recommended as an important aspect of developing effective cancer services. Despite the acknowledged benefits of user involvement, this concept has not been fully endorsed in Greece. ⋯ In addition, the number of employed nurses should increase and improvements in healthcare professionals' education should be implemented in order to develop and improve cancer services. Public health education needs to be emphasised and prioritised especially in areas such as prevention and screening. The Greek government needs to address and encourage user involvement in planning healthcare services with the introduction of relevant legislation.