A review of growth and development of oncology nursing in six European countries.

Oncology nursing consists of a branch of nursing specialised in the care of people affected by cancer. Despite its essential contribution in the field of oncology, there is lack or poor recognition as a specialty across Europe. The aim of this paper is to review the development and growth of oncology nursing in 6 diverse countries in Europe. The paper has been developed by drawing on the relevant national and European literature (e.g., in local language and English language) available in the participating countries. European and international literature has been used complementarily to contextualised the findings to the wider field of cancer nursing across the world. Furthermore, this literature has been utilised to demonstrate how the implications of the paper's outcomes can be relevant to other cancer nursing contexts. The paper discusses the pathways of the development and growth of oncology nursing in France, Cyprus, UK, Croatia, Norway, and Spain. This paper will further contribute to raising the awareness on the extent and level of contribution that oncology nurses are making to improve cancer care on a global scale. This also needs to be in accordance to the policy frameworks on a national, European and global context so that the recognition of the vital contribution of oncology nurses is complemented with its full recognition as a distinct specialty.

Challenges facing cancer care and guidance on prioritising its safe delivery: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the NHS to make rapid adjustments to practice to ensure that patients could continue to access vital treatments while reducing the risk of infection. A roundtable discussion was convened, including professionals from cancer care delivery and those working in patient involvement, to discuss experiences during the pandemic and to offer recommendations for the safe transition and implementation of cancer care in the community setting.

Presentation skills for nurses.

This article emphasises the importance of effective presentation skills. Such skills allow nurses to share knowledge and expertise and to communicate clearly in a range of workplace scenarios. Nurses are increasingly being asked to present in formal and informal situations, such as conferences, poster presentations, job interviews, case reports and ward-based teaching. This article explores the principles underpinning the development of these skills, discusses the situations in which they could be applied and demonstrates how nurses might improve and develop as presenters.

Oral cancer: risk factors, treatment and nursing care.

Oral cancer occurs in a range of anatomical sites within the oral cavity and pharynx. Although oral cancer is relatively rare in the UK, it can have a significant effect on individuals, with treatment being associated with eating, drinking, speaking and breathing difficulties. Treatment may also result in alterations to body image and functionality, which can lead to depression. Therefore, nurses need to have knowledge of associated risk factors, treatment and nursing care to improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life.

Hopefully Andy Burnham can rectify the impractical reforms.

The main revelation from the interview with shadow health secretary Andy Burnham (analysis September 26) was that he just might have some firm ideas about what to do with the NHS other than make it cheaper to provide.

Nursing metrics: measuring quality in patient care.

Nursing metrics have been used increasingly in UK health services over the past two years to measure and improve nursing performance and to aid commissioners in linking funding to quality. This article provides an introduction to nursing metrics, including some of the nurse-sensitive indicators and the background to their development. It also provides examples of how metrics are used in practice to improve the care and experience of patients.

Nursing management of common oncological emergencies.

This article examines three of the most common oncological emergencies. It considers the underlying pathophysiology of these conditions and the symptoms. The role of the nurse in identifying these conditions and expediting timely care to reduce patient morbidity and mortality is discussed.