Cancer rehabilitation from the perspectives of oncology nurses in Korea.

The purpose of this study was to understand the perception of oncology nurses and how it is related to cancer rehabilitation in Korea. A qualitative study with three focus groups consisting of 6-8 Korean oncology nurses (n = 21) was conducted. The interviews were thematically analyzed. Two main themes for the attributes of cancer rehabilitation were "comprehensive activities of nurses" and "active involvement of survivors." Six subthemes from the oncology nurses' care experiences were identified: "incorporating partnership and sharing feelings," "fulfilling individualized needs," "providing timely and practical support," "enhancing internal strength with optimistic mindset," "regaining functional independence," and "getting family members in." The findings suggest that oncology nurses can play a key role in rehabilitation for cancer survivors. Nursing interventions focused on comprehensive activities of nurses as well as active involvement of survivors can be effective in enhancing cancer survivors' strength and resilience in order to lead a healthy life. Oncology nurses need to be taught a psychosocial intervention based on individualized assessment and family partnership for cancer survivors.

Chang H ，Park YH 《-》

The power of nursing: guiding patients through a journey of uncertainty.

The objective of this qualitative study was to understand the experiences of oncology nurses in patient counseling and support services in the ambulatory care setting. A qualitative study was conducted using grounded theory methods. Data were generated through four focus group interviews with 21 oncology nurses currently providing counseling and support services for cancer patients in Japan. The content was analyzed based on a constant comparison approach. The power of nursing was identified through three themes: connecting with the patient (shared needs); personalized coordination (shared action); and realizing the patient's potential (reassurance). Oncology nurses should guide patients through the uncertain cancer trajectory by identifying patients' true needs based on an established relationship, providing personalized coordination, and developing their potential. Patient-centered care can be provided in non-physical care settings such as counseling and support services. Our study describes the uniqueness and significance of nursing, and provides insights into realizing the full potential of nurses. This conceptual model can be used as a guide for practice and an educational tool to build professional identity of nurses. Oncology nurses can take a leadership role in enhancing the visibility of the nurses in multidisciplinary environments.

Komatsu H ，Yagasaki K 《-》

The Role of Oncology Nurses in Discussing Clinical Trials.

Flocke SA ，Antognoli E ，Daly BJ ，Jackson B ，Fulton SE ，Liu TM ，Surdam J ，Manne S ，Meropol NJ ... -  《-》

Oncology nurses' knowledge of survivorship care planning: the need for education.

Lester JL ，Wessels AL ，Jung Y 《-》

Addressing changed sexual functioning in cancer patients: A cross-sectional survey among Dutch oncology nurses.

In most types of cancer, the disease and its treatment can result in altered sexual function (SF). Oncology nurses are strategically placed to address SF since they have frequent patient interaction. Our aim was to establish their knowledge about and attitudes to SF in oncology care and identify their perceived barriers to addressing the subject. A 37-item questionnaire was administered during the 2012 Dutch Oncology Nursing Congress and mailed to 241 Dutch oncology nursing departments. The majority of 477 nurses (87.6%) agreed that discussing SF is their responsibility. Discussing SF routinely is performed by 33.4% of these nurses, consultations mainly consisted of mentioning treatment side-effects affecting SF (71.3%). There were significant differences depending on experience, knowledge, age, academic degree and department policy. Nurses ≤44 years old (p < 0.001), with <10 years oncology experience (p = 0.001), insufficient knowledge (p < 0.001), no academic degree (p < 0.001), and in whose department policy was lacking or inadequate (p < 0.001), were less comfortable discussing SF. Barriers included lack of training, presence of a third party and no angle or motive for initiating discussion. Findings suggest oncology nurses consider counselling on sexual issues to be an important responsibility, in line with discussing other side-effects caused by the disease or its treatment. Nevertheless, cancer patients may not routinely be receiving a sexual health evaluation by oncology nurses. Results emphasize the potential benefit of providing knowledge, including practical training and a complete department protocol.

Krouwel EM ，Nicolai MP ，van Steijn-van Tol AQ ，Putter H ，Osanto S ，Pelger RC ，Elzevier HW ... -  《-》