Canadian oncology nursing journal = Revue canadienne de nursing oncologique
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This article focuses on expanding the clinical knowledge base on the role of biomarkers in oncology nursing in the infusion clinic and home care environment. It describes a pilot project to develop a clinical practice guideline. Through focus groups and surveys conducted by a large national home health care provider, knowledge and practice gaps in the area of molecular oncology were identified amongst infusion clinic and home care nurses. ⋯ The purpose of the module was to provide education and information intended to support a practitioner's best nursing judgment based on the clinical circumstances of a particular patient or patient population. The goal of the elearning module was to have a positive impact on patient care and infusion clinic nurses practice by bridging the gap between their practice and currently available evidence on biomarker use and application. The module, with a high-level overview of the subject matter, offers an opportunity for enhancing knowledge of participants in this rapidly changing field.
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A pilot project was undertaken by an inpatient hematology and hematopoietic stem cell transplant unit to determine the feasibility of adapting the Synergy Model (Curley, 2007; 1998) to this patient population. During phase one, a patient characteristic tool for measuring complexity, stability, predictability, and participation in care was developed and tested. ⋯ A nurse competency assessment was also developed, along with processes for making nursing and Health Care Aid assignments, as well as staffing decisions. The results of the pilot demonstrated that the Synergy Model can be adapted to this population and that it is feasible to use the model in an acute inpatient setting.
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Many cancer treatment and screening decisions are difficult given that they rely upon patients' informed preferences. Interprofessional shared decision making is when two or more health care professionals collaborate with a patient to reach an agreed-upon decision. ⋯ Both interventions make explicit the decision, provide balanced information on options based on the best available evidence, and help patients consider what matters most. The overall aim is to discuss how oncology nurses can engage in an interprofessional approach to shared decision making.
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Alopecia is a side effect of chemotherapies used in breast cancer. Scalp cooling is a technique preventing alopecia, but its use remains controversial. We conducted a survey about knowledge of scalp cooling and interest in conducting a randomized clinical trial (RCT). ⋯ Ninety per cent thought that an RCT was needed and would participate. The survey revealed different potential problems associated with the increased chair time, limited space, and safety. We concluded that an RCT is needed and that the trial must include evaluation on the impact on health care system resources and safety.
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Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a side effect of opioid therapy that can affect quality of life, adherence to treatment, and morbidity and possibly mortality. ⋯ Statistical pooling was not possible as no studies met inclusion criteria. Large, well-powered, randomized controlled trials are feasible. Standard definitions of OIC would assist with the execution of these studies and contribute to their internal and external validity. Further research is strongly encouraged.