Oncology nursing forum最新文献

Purpose: To explore the experiences of frailty among older adult patients with hematologic neoplasms and their caregivers, from a dyadic perspective.

Participants & setting: A purposive sample of 12 dyads of older adult patients with hematologic neoplasms and their caregivers were recruited between October 2023 and January 2024 at a tertiary hospital in Tianjin, China.

Methodologic approach: This study was conducted using a phenomenologic research method. The data were collected through one-on-one semistructured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method.

Findings: The following four themes were identified among patients and caregivers: (a) core drivers of dyadic coping, (b) positive strategies of dyadic coping, (c) negative ways of dyadic coping, and (d) inherent challenges of dyadic coping. Eleven subthemes also emerged.

Implications for nursing: This study identified the support needs of patients and caregivers. In the future, these results will improve nursing practices and support the coping experiences of older adult patients with hematologic neoplasms and their caregivers.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of telenursing counseling in improving the sexual function of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Sample & setting: 59 women undergoing outpatient treatment for breast cancer.

Methods & variables: Three telehealth counseling sessions were conducted in the intervention group during an eight-week period. The primary outcome was assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index, Brazilian version, at baseline and at 8 weeks and 12 weeks postintervention.

Results: The intervention and control groups had significant differences in education, race, occupation, menstrual status, and previous treatment performed. Sexual function after telenursing counseling in the intervention and control groups showed no statistically significant differences at 8 weeks or 12 weeks.

Implications for nursing: Telephone counseling did not differ from usual care in improving sexual function in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Nurses should consider integrating multiple intervention components.

Objectives: To examine racial disparities in psychoneurological (PN) symptom severity and health-promoting behaviors among breast cancer survivors (BCS) over time.

Sample & setting: BCS (N = 74) were assessed at baseline; the chemotherapy midpoint; and six months, one year, and two years postchemotherapy.

Methods & variables: A secondary analysis of a longitudinal, prospective study was conducted using linear mixed-effects models to examine trajectories of PN symptoms and health-promoting lifestyle behaviors.

Results: Black BCS experienced greater pain, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. White BCS reported significant changes in anxiety, sleep disturbance, fatigue, neurocognition, and leisure-time exercise, with symptoms worsening at the chemotherapy midpoint and improving thereafter. Black BCS exhibited no significant changes across time points.

Implications for nursing: Culturally sensitive, tailored symptom management strategies and structural interventions are needed. Future research is warranted to identify the unique needs and preferences of Black BCS to improve their symptom experiences and encourage health-promoting lifestyle behaviors.

Preparation for older age allows us to withstand health challenges such as a cancer diagnosis or functional/cognitive decline. The same principle applies to nursing regarding professional reserve. We need a full fuel tank to.

Objectives: To evaluate handgrip strength (HGS), functional capacity (FC), and quality of life (QOL) in adults with cancer, and to examine the associations among these variables to explore the potential utility of HGS as an accessible indicator of functional status and well-being in oncology care.

Sample & setting: A consecutive sample of 269 adult patients with cancer at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria participated in the study.

Methods & variables: A descriptive cross-sectional study measured HGS using a digital hand dynamometer, FC via the FC Index Questionnaire, and QOL through the City of Hope QOL Instrument-Breast Cancer Patient Version adapted for use with all cancer types. Data analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Nearly half (49%) exhibited weak HGS, with only 14% showing strong HGS. A significant number (55%) experienced mild to moderate FC limitations, and the majority (81%) reported moderate to very low QOL. Statistically significant associations were found between HGS and FC, and between HGS and QOL.

Implications for nursing: Routine assessment of HGS should be incorporated into oncology nursing practice to facilitate early identification of functional decline, guide targeted rehabilitation interventions, and enhance patient-centered care aimed at improving QOL.

Objectives: To examine risk factors associated with fall events among hospitalized individuals with cancer.

Sample & setting: 188 individuals with cancer from the inpatient oncology unit of a large, urban, public hospital in New York satisfied requirements for inclusion.

Methods & variables: A retrospective case-control analysis of electronic health records was conducted from January to December 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to investigate factors associated with fall events and falls with injuries.

Results: Bivariate analyses showed that being male, having a preference for the English language, having a solid tumor diagnosis, having metastatic cancer, receiving chemotherapy, using psychotropic medications, and having any isolation precautions were associated with falls among individuals with cancer. High Morse Fall Scale scores, English-language preference, and the combination of receiving chemotherapy and any isolation precautions were found to be highly predictive of a fall event during hospitalization among individuals with cancer.

Implications for nursing: Incorporating oncology-specific patient risk factors into screening or assessment tools and individualized interventions enhances safety.

Problem identification: Little is known about the potential mechanisms (i.e., the mediating effects) in the relationship among symptoms, self-efficacy, and quality of life (QOL). This scoping review summarizes the current evidence on whether self-efficacy mediates the effect of symptoms on QOL and whether symptoms mediate the effect of self-efficacy on QOL among cancer survivors.

Literature search: The PubMed®, CINAHL®, and PsycINFO® databases were searched for studies published from January 2010 to December 2023.

Data evaluation: Seven studies were included that explored the relationship among symptoms, self-efficacy, and QOL. Mediation analyses for included studies were synthesized using the AGReMA (A Guideline for Reporting Mediation Analyses) Statement.

Synthesis: Self-efficacy mediated the effects of symptom-related constructs on QOL in three of five studies. Two studies found that fatigue mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and QOL.

Implications for research: Evidence supports the bidirectional mediating effects of self-efficacy and fatigue on their relationship with QOL. However, the majority of the studies used cross-sectional designs, warranting future longitudinal studies.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a digital health coaching (DHC) program on global health, symptom burden, quality of life, healthcare utilization, and financial toxicity.

Sample & setting: 254 adult women undergoing active treatment for breast cancer at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Methods & variables: Participants were randomized to a six-month usual care or DHC program, which included weekly calls from a health advisor, unlimited patient-initiated communication, and digital delivery of health-behavior content. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were collected at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months. Linear mixed models were used to assess intervention effects.

Results: Participants were enrolled from August 2019 to December 2022. Quality of life, symptom severity, and financial toxicity improved in both groups, whereas symptom interference worsened.

Implications for nursing: Oncology nurses should monitor PROs among women undergoing active treatment for breast cancer. Further research is needed to understand the effects of DHC on PROs.

Objectives: To assess the occurrence of oral mucositis in Chinese patients with cancer undergoing treatment and analyze its influencing factors.

Sample & setting: From November 2023 to March 2024, a survey of 208 patients with cancer was conducted.

Methods & variables: Data were collected through survey questionnaires and salivary pH testing. Demographic characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare mucositis occurrence, and ordered logistic regression was used to identify predictive factors.

Results: Among 208 surveyed patients, 56 (27%) experienced oral mucositis, with severity grades distributed as follows: grade 1 (n = 37, 18%), grade 2 (n = 12, 6%), and grade 3 (n = 7, 3%). Salivary pH level, dry mouth, mouth rinsing, and primary disease were identified as key factors.

Implications for nursing: Chinese patients with cancer have a high occurrence of oral mucositis. Lower salivary pH levels and higher dry mouth scores increase the risk. Oncology nurses can prioritize early preventive strategies, salivary pH testing and xerostomia assessment, and targeted hygiene guidance. A risk-stratified prevention model can be implemented to enable precision management of oral mucositis.

To commemorate the Oncology Nursing Society's 50th anniversary in 2025, throughout the year, we will be reprinting seminal editorials written by former editors of the Oncology Nursing Forum and the Clinical Journal of Oncol.