European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society
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This article reports on a scoping study into cancer education provision in one UK Cancer Network. A range of professionals (nurses, allied health professionals (AHPs), health care support workers and educationalists) were invited to participate in focus group or individual interviews, or to return questionnaires regarding their perceptions of training needs and current opportunities. This yielded data from a total of 94 participants. ⋯ No evidence could be found of inter-professional cancer or palliative care education within the university sector. Curriculum content did not appear to reflect the ethnic diversity or socio-economic deprivation that characterised the local heath economy. Further research is needed to determine how best to ensure that continuing professional education reflects the needs of all practitioners involved in cancer and palliative care.
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The ultimate aim of our research program is to provide strategies that facilitate parental decision-making for parents of children with cancer receiving end-of-life care. As a first step to develop this program, we needed insight into parents' reactions and opinions about the research methods planned for a larger study. In particular, we needed their opinions about the general experience of making the decision between palliative cytotoxic chemotherapy and supportive care alone and the factors that parents regard as important when making this decision. ⋯ The comments made during the focus group discussions were content-analyzed for common themes. The results from the focus group discussion led to particular modifications in the proposed design and interview strategies planned for the future larger study. We found it was extremely beneficial to include a focus group pre-phase in a study that will interview parents in a high sensitivity area.
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The aim of this study is to describe cancer patients' existential reflections and how these reflections were met by the nursing staff. A qualitative method of data collection was used. Ten patients with breast- or prostate cancer who had completed curative treatment were interviewed. ⋯ The patients reported a need of existential support as well as obstacles for giving such support. Obstacles could be lack of time and lack of continuity, as well as lack of knowledge resulting in an inability to identify existential issues. Some of the patients had wanted existential support from nurses, while others received the support they needed from family and friends.
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Pet ownership has been associated with both emotional and physical health benefits. However, owning pets may also pose health risks to immunocompromised patients through zoonotic transmission of disease. Our initial impression was that there is a lack of any evidence base in information given by health care professionals regarding these risks. ⋯ Guidelines include general advice on good hygiene practices, veterinary care, pet foods, purchasing of new pets and age restrictions. Health care professionals should actively enquire about household pets and provide accurate information and practical advice on how to minimise the risk of infection. However, the overall benefits of the human-animal bond must be considered and with proper handling and husbandry immunocompromised patients should be able to continue to enjoy the significant benefits of pet ownership.