Fear of cancer recurrence therapy (FORT): A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Most fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) interventions have small effects, and few target FCR. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) with breast and gynecological cancer survivors evaluated the efficacy of a cognitive-existential fear of recurrence therapy (FORT) compared to an attention placebo control group (living well with cancer [LWWC]) on FCR. METHOD: One hundred and sixty-four women with clinical levels of FCR and cancer distress were randomly assigned to 6-weekly, 120 min FORT (n = 80) or LWWC (n = 84) group sessions. They completed questionnaires at baseline (T1), posttreatment (T2; primary endpoint), 3 (T3), and 6 months (T4) posttreatment. Generalized linear models were used to compare group differences in the fear of cancer recurrence inventory (FCRI) total score and secondary outcomes. RESULTS: FORT participants experienced greater reductions from T1 to T2 on FCRI total with a between-group difference of -9.48 points (p = .0393), resulting in a medium effect of -0.530, with a maintained effect at T3 (p = .0330) but not at T4. For the secondary outcomes, improvements were in favor of FORT, including FCRI triggers (p = .0208), FCRI coping (p = .0351), cognitive avoidance (p = .0155), need for reassurance from physicians (p = .0117), and quality of life (mental health; p = .0147). CONCLUSIONS: This RCT demonstrated that FORT, compared to an attention placebo control group, resulted in a greater reduction in FCR posttreatment and at 3 months posttreatment in women with breast and gynecological cancer, indicating its potential as a new treatment strategy. We recommend a booster session to sustain gains. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

A proof-of-concept study of iCope: A nurse-led psychoeducational telephone intervention for women attending a rapid diagnostic centre for breast abnormality.

The period between the initial discovery of a suspicious breast lesion and a confirmed diagnosis is a time of significant psychological distress, heightened anxiety, and uncertainty for many women. This proof of concept (PoC) study explored the clinical outcomes and acceptability of iCope, a nurse-led psycho-educational telephone intervention aimed to assist with uncertainty, anxiety and coping in women going through a Rapid Diagnostic Centre (RDC) offering quick diagnosis of breast cancer (same day to three-day post-investigation). Guided by the Uncertainty Theory, and using a one-arm pretest-posttest design, two brief 15-minute telephone sessions were delivered by a nurse prior to the women's day of testing at the RDC and three days after the receipt of their results. Six women completed measures of anxiety, uncertainty, and coping before the clinic visit, three days and three weeks after receiving their test results. Results show that the implementation of the telephone intervention was challenging, yet may offer potential for positive impact. That is, trends of decreased uncertainty and anxiety in participants over time were noted. Considering the difficulty observed in the recruitment and delivering the two interventions in the timeline planned, feasibility testing is recommended before the conduct of a large-scale study.

Mentorship in nursing in Canada - A scoping review.

AIM: To review the literature on mentoring of nursing students in Canada. BACKGROUND: Mentorship in nursing has been in existence for a long time. Supportive, nurturing guidance by an experienced individual in the profession has been found to have many benefits both to the giver and the receiver. However, there is no uniformity in the length, model, delivery method and evaluation of mentorship programs' impact. The purpose of this scoping review is to appraise the available literature and synthesize knowledge on mentorship in nursing in Canada. DESIGN: Scoping Review METHODS: The scoping review was guided by the methodological framework developed by Hilary Arksey & Lisa O'Malley and the findings are reported using PRISMA ScR guidelines. A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and ERIC databases was conducted to identify articles describing nursing mentorship in Canada. RESULTS: After the initial screening, a total of 125 articles were included for a full-text review. Of the 48 items included, 28 were research articles and 20 were other forms of literature. Forty-eight items were included for data extraction. CONCLUSION: The scoping review revealed several benefits of mentorship. While synthesizing the evidence, it was noted that the components of the mentorship programs, such as the length, models, mode of delivery and the impact, vary with every nursing field. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Based on the results of the scoping review, it is recommended to consider the unique needs, strengths and challenges of the group for whom the mentorship is planned. One size may not fit all.

Evaluation of Usability and Satisfaction of Two Online Tools to Guide Return to Work for Cancer Survivors on the Cancer and Work Website.

Prompt services and work-focused support systems are needed to aid cancer survivors returning to work or finding work. Purpose This knowledge translation and implementation project focused on the knowledge users' experience and need for refinement of three work-focused tools to support return to work and maintain work following cancer through their participation in a hands-on workshop. The tools assessed for their utility are a Job Analysis Tool (JAT), a Return to Work (RTW) tool, and a bilingual Canadian website on Cancer and Work. Methods Four workshops took place in three Canadian cities. Participants included cancer survivors, healthcare professionals, and employer representatives. Following an overview of the website and tools, workshop participants (N = 28) completed qualitative and quantitative satisfaction and usability questionnaires using the System Usability Scale and open-ended questions. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analyses from the think-aloud data and from the four open-ended questions collected during the users' use of the tools and website. Results Overall, most study participants reported high satisfaction with the JAT and RTW tools, the Cancer and work website and the workshop. Good usability scores were reported for the RTW planner (73.65 ± 12.61) and the website (74.83 ± 12.36), and only acceptable usability scores for the JAT (68.53 ± 11.90). Conclusion Overall, the study documented the value of the tools and the website to support the RTW process as assessed by several key knowledge user groups. The JAT is considered a helpful procedure to identify job demands in order to guide job accommodations. Given participants' responses that the tool is useful, the next steps are to implement the recommendations for improvement and knowledge dissemination to increase its uptake and the use of job analysis overall.

Fear of Cancer Recurrence, Health Anxiety, Worry, and Uncertainty: A Scoping Review About Their Conceptualization and Measurement Within Breast Cancer Survivorship Research.

Objective: Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR), Health Anxiety (HA), worry, and uncertainty in illness are psychological concerns commonly faced by cancer patients. In survivorship research, these similar, yet different constructs are frequently used interchangeably and multiple instruments are used in to measure them. The lack of clear and consistent conceptualization and measurement can lead to diverse or contradictory interpretations. The purpose of this scoping review was to review, compare, and analyze the current conceptualization and measurements used for FCR, HA, worry, and uncertainty in the breast cancer survivorship literature to improve research and practice. Inclusion Criteria: We considered quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies of breast cancer survivors that examined FCR, HA, worry, or uncertainty in illness as a main topic and included a definition or assessment of the constructs. Methods and Analysis: The six-staged framework was used to guide the scoping review process. Searches of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were conducted. The principle-based qualitative analysis and simultaneous content analysis procedures were employed to synthesize and map the findings. Findings: After duplicate removal, the search revealed 3,299 articles, of which 82 studies met the inclusion criteria. Several critical attributes overlapped the four constructs, for example, all were triggered by internal somatic and external cues. However, several unique attributes were found (e.g., a sense of loss of security in the body is observed only among survivors experiencing FCR). Overall, findings showed that FCR and uncertainty in illness are more likely to be triggered by cancer-specific factors, while worry and HA have more trait-like in terms of characteristics, theoretical features, and correlates. We found that the measures used to assess each construct were on par with their intended constructs. Eighteen approaches were used to measure FCR, 15 for HA, 8 for worry, and 4 for uncertainty. Conclusion: While consensus on the conceptualization and measurement of the four constructs has not yet been reached, this scoping review identifies key similarities and differences to aid in their selection and measurement. Considering the observed overlap between the four studied constructs, further research delineating the unique attributes for each construct is warranted.

Towards the validation of a new, blended theoretical model of fear of cancer recurrence.

OBJECTIVE: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is defined as "fear, worry, or concern about cancer returning or progressing". To date, only the seminal model proposed by Lee-Jones and colleagues has been partially validated, so additional model testing is critical to inform intervention efforts. The purpose of this study is to examine the validity of a blended model of FCR that integrates Leventhal's Common Sense Model, Mishel's Uncertainty in Illness Theory, and cognitive theories of worry. METHODS: Participants (n = 106) were women diagnosed with stage I to III breast or gynecological cancer who were enrolled in a Randomized Controlled Trial of a group cognitive-existential intervention for FCR. We report data from standardized questionnaires (Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Severity and Triggers subscales; Illness Uncertainty Scale; perceived risk of recurrence; Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale; Why do people Worry about Health questionnaire; Reassurance-seeking Behaviors subscale of the Health Anxiety Questionnaire, and the Reassurance Questionnaire) that participants completed before randomization. Path analyses were used to test the model. RESULTS: Following the addition of four paths, the model showed an excellent fit (χ2 = 13.39, P = 0.20; comparative fit index = 0.99; root mean square error of approximation = 0.06). Triggers, perceived risk of recurrence, and illness uncertainty predicted FCR. FCR was associated with maladaptive coping. Positive beliefs about worrying and intolerance of uncertainty did not predict FCR but led to more maladaptive coping. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide support for a blended FCR model.

The psychological impact of the rapid diagnostic centres in cancer screening: A systematic review.

The purpose of this review is to assess the state of the literature and identify implications for nursing practice and future research on the psychological impact of rapid diagnostic centres (RDC) for women related to breast cancer. A systematic literature review was conducted on the topic and six studies were identified for data extraction and analysis. There is evidence that RDCs decrease short-term anxiety in women undergoing further cancer tests after cancer screening, and who receive a benign diagnosis. There is limited available research on the impact of anxiety on women who receive a diagnosis of cancer in RDCs, but some evidence showed that this sub-group had higher depression in the long term. Nurses need to be aware of the different needs of women undergoing further cancer screening tests after a cancer diagnosis and receiving these results in the same day.

Desafios para o cuidado da insuficiência cardíaca: pesquisa exploratória com enfermeiras em Ontario / Challenges for the heart failure care: exploratory research with nurses in Ontario / Desafíos para el cuidado de la insuficiencia cardíaca: investigación exploratoria con las enfermeras en Ontario

Objectives: To observe the implementation of Canadian protocols for patients with heart failure, and identify with nurses, health education aspects. Method: exploratory research in the period from August to December 2013, where the data collection was carried out by observation during the Shadow Experience and interview of Canadian nurses. For data analysis, we used descriptive statistics. Results: 28 patients were observed in the Shadow Experience strategy at different levels of care, and 13 nurses interviewed. In health education, interpersonal contact was the most used strategy (69.23%), treatment was the priority share (76.92%), followed by prevention (30.77%). There are challenges with respect to harmful lifestyle habits, and self-care considered ineffective (38.46%). Conclusion: interpersonal interaction, which involved professionals and Canadian individuals at different levels of care, helped to identify in their implementation, basic actions and challenges for heart failure.

Objetivos: Observar a implementação de protocolos canadenses aos pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca, assim como identificar junto às enfermeiras, aspectos de educação em saúde. Método: pesquisa exploratória no período de agosto a dezembro de 2013, onde a coleta de dados deu-se por observação durante a Shadow Experience, e por entrevista de enfermeiras canadenses. Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se a estatística descritiva. Resultados: 28 pacientes foram observados na estratégia Shadow Experience em diferentes níveis de atendimento, e 13 enfermeiras entrevistadas. Em Educação em Saúde, o contato interpessoal foi a estratégia mais utilizada (69,23%), o tratamento foi a ação prioritária (76,92%), seguida da prevenção (30,77%). Há desafios com relação aos hábitos de vida prejudiciais, e para o autocuidado considerado pouco eficaz (38,46%). Conclusão: A interação interpessoal, a qual envolveu profissionais e indivíduos canadenses em diferentes níveis de atendimento, contribuiu para identificar em sua implementação, ações básicas e desafios para insuficiência cardíaca.

Objetivos: Observar la implementación de protocolos canadienses para los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca, y se identifican con las enfermeras, los aspectos de educación sanitaria. Método: investigación exploratoria en el período de agosto a diciembre de 2013, donde la recogida de datos se llevó a cabo mediante la observación durante la experiencia de la sombra y la entrevista de las enfermeras canadienses. Para el análisis de datos se utilizó la estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Se observaron 28 pacientes en la estrategia de la experiencia de la sombra a diferentes niveles de atención, y 13 enfermeras entrevistadas. En la educación sanitaria, el contacto interpersonal fue la estrategia más utilizada (69,23%), el tratamiento fue la cuota de prioridad (76,92%), seguido de la prevención (30,77%). Hay desafíos con respecto a los hábitos de vida nocivos, y el autocuidado considerados ineficaces (38,46%). Conclusión: la interacción interpersonal, que involucró a profesionales y particulares canadienses en diferentes niveles de atención, ayudó a identificar en su aplicación, las acciones básicas y los desafíos para la insuficiencia cardíaca.

Benefits and challenges in the use of art as an intervention for making sense of the cancer experience: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE: How does art contribute as a psychotherapeutic tool in making sense of the cancer experience? What is the meaningfulness of integrating art (as either creator or consumer) for patients throughout the cancer experience?

Protocol of a randomized controlled trial of the fear of recurrence therapy (FORT) intervention for women with breast or gynecological cancer.

BACKGROUND: Clinically significant levels of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) affect up to 49% of cancer survivors and are more prevalent among women. FCR is associated with psychological distress, lower quality of life, and increased use of medical resources. Despite its prevalence, FCR is poorly addressed in clinical care. To address this problem, we first developed, and pilot tested a 6-week, 2 h, Cognitive-existential group intervention therapy that targeted FCR in survivors of breast or gynecological cancer. Following the positive outcome of the pilot, we are now testing this approach in a randomized clinical trial (RCT). Goal and hypotheses: This multicenter, prospective RCT aims to test the efficacy of the intervention. The study hypotheses are that, compared to a control group, cancer survivors participating in the intervention (1) will have less FCR, (2) will show more favorable outcomes on the following measures: cancer-specific distress, quality of life, illness uncertainty, intolerance of uncertainty, perceived risk of cancer recurrence, and coping skills. We further postulate that the between-group differences will persist three and 6 months post-intervention. METHODS: Sixteen groups of seven to nine women are being allocated to the intervention or the control group. The control group receives a 6-week, 2 h, structurally equivalent support group. We are recruiting 144 cancer survivors from four hospital sites in three Canadian cities. The sample size was based on the moderate pre/post-test changes found in our pilot study and adjusted to the drop-out rates. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome, FCR, is measured by the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory. Secondary outcomes measured include cancer-specific distress, perceived risk of cancer recurrence, illness uncertainty, intolerance of uncertainty, coping, and quality of life. We use reliable and recognized valid scales. Participants are to complete the questionnaire package at four times: before the first group session (baseline), immediately after the sixth session, and 3 and 6 months post-intervention. ANALYSIS: In the descriptive analysis, comparison of group equivalent baseline variables, identification of confounding/intermediate variables and univariate analysis are planned. Each participant's trajectory is calculated using Generalized Estimating Equation models to determine the time and group effects, after considering the correlation structures of the groups. An intent-to-treat analysis approach may be adopted. DISCUSSION: Our Fear of Recurrence Therapy (FORT) intervention has direct implications for clinical service development to improve the quality of life for patients with breast (BC) and gynecological cancer (GC). Based on our pilot data, we are confident that the FORT intervention can guide the development of effective psychosocial cancer survivorship interventions to reduce FCR and improve psychological functioning among women with BC or GC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dr. Christine Maheu registered the trial with ISRCTN registry (Registration number: ISRCTN83539618, date assigned 03/09/2014).

An evaluation study of the implementation of stroke best practice guidelines using a Knowledge Transfer Team approach.

INTRODUCTION: Strokes will become an increasing burden on the Canadian health care and social systems in coming years. Caring for people who have experienced a stroke is a challenging issue. The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) developed Stroke Assessment Across the Continuum Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs) to support the best possible care for this population. This article reports the findings of an evaluation of the implementation of recommendations from the stroke BPGs using a Knowledge Transfer Team (KTT) at Mackenzie Health's Integrated Stroke Unit in Richmond Hill, Ontario. METHODS: Over a 12-month period, an evaluation of the implementation activities using structure, process, and outcome indicators, as well as identifying effective strategies for system-wide dissemination of BPG implementation and outcomes was completed. Data were collected from the staff, KTT members, and patients and their providers. RESULTS: The results clearly illustrate that all of the health care professionals involved in the study felt the KT approach was an effective method of implementing and disseminating the stroke BPGs. The main limitations perceived by staff and KTT members were time constraints, difficulty recruiting a larger sample size, competing priorities, lack of compliance, changes to charting, staff attrition, and a lack of financial support. CONCLUSION: The KTT approach resulted in improved patient care and outcomes, as illustrated by the high patient satisfaction levels.

Breast and ovarian cancer survivors' experience of participating in a cognitive-existential group intervention addressing fear of cancer recurrence.

PURPOSE: Currently, very few clinical approaches are offered to cancer survivors dealing with fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). This paper provides an overview of cancer survivors' experience and satisfaction after taking part in a six-week, cognitive-existential (CE) group intervention that aimed to address FCR. METHOD: In this qualitative descriptive study, 12 women with breast or ovarian cancer provided in-depth interviews of their experience in taking part in the CE group intervention. RESULTS: Analysis of their accounts revealed struggles to face their fears. Yet, by embracing their group experience, the women learned how to confront their fears and gain emotional control. The women reported that the group work was highly valuable. CONCLUSION: From the women's analysed accounts, the authors have proposed recommendations for changes to the group work process before moving the study to a full clinical trial. The study's findings also provide valuable insights to other cancer survivor groups who may also be experiencing FCR.

Empowerment and mentoring in nursing academia.

In 2011, there was an expected shortage of 200 full-time faculty. While there are an estimated 322 graduate students in Nurse Practitioner and Masters/PhD programs in Canada today, the supply of potential new faculty falls short of the anticipated demand in the years ahead (Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing). This mixed method study explored how organizational culture and the perceived level of psychological and structural empowerment are associated with one's work environment among Canadian nursing faculty and to explore the state of mentorship in schools of nursing.

Charting the territory: symptoms and functional assessment in children with progressive, non-curable conditions.

BACKGROUND: Children with progressive, non-curable genetic, metabolic, or neurological conditions require specialised care to enhance their quality of life. Prevention and relief of physical symptoms for these children needs to begin at diagnosis, yet, little is known about their patterns of symptoms and functional abilities. AIM: To describe these children's symptoms, as well as how the children's condition affects them physically. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, baseline results from an observational, longitudinal study, Charting the Territory, that followed 275 children and their families. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Seven tertiary care children's hospitals in Canada, 2 in the USA. Families were eligible based on the child's condition. A total of 275 children from 258 families participated. RESULTS: The 3 most common symptoms in these children were pain, sleep problems, and feeding difficulties; on average, they had 3.2 symptoms of concern. There was a pattern of under-reporting of children's symptoms for clinicians compared with parents. Regardless of use of associated medications, pain, feeding and constipation symptoms were often frequent and distressing. Children with a G/J tube had a higher total number of symptoms, and respiratory problems, pain, feeding difficulties and constipation were more likely to occur. They also tended to have frequent and distressing symptoms, and to need extensive mobility modifications which, in turn, were associated with higher numbers of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: These children experience multiple symptoms that have been previously documented individually, but not collectively. Effective interventions are needed to reduce their symptom burden. Future longitudinal analyses will examine which disease-modifying interventions improve, or do not improve, symptom burden.

Addressing fear of cancer recurrence among women with cancer: a feasibility and preliminary outcome study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is one of the most frequently cited unmet needs among cancer survivors and is associated with psychological distress, stress-response symptoms, and lower quality of life, as well as increased use of health care resources. Despite these factors, few manualized interventions exist to address FCR among cancer survivors. PURPOSE: To develop, manualize, and pilot test the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 6-week cognitive-existential (CE) group intervention designed to address FCR in women with breast or ovarian cancer. METHODS: This study was a single-arm multi-site study with pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up measurement occasions. RESULTS: A total of 56 breast or ovarian cancer survivors enrolled in the study; 44 completed the CE group intervention. Following the intervention, women experienced a reduction in the primary study outcome measure of FCR and secondary study outcome measures of cancer-specific distress and uncertainty. They also reported improvements in secondary study outcome measures of quality of life and coping. The effect sizes of the observed changes were for the most part in the medium to large effect range; furthermore, almost all changes were sustained at 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: This brief intervention appears feasible and has shown promising results in addressing FCR and related secondary outcomes of cancer-specific distress, uncertainty, quality of life, and coping; however, it should be further tested using a randomized controlled study design to more definitively assess its efficacy. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: FCR is a near-universal worry for cancer survivors that, when left unaddressed, tends to remain stable over time. This study has important implications for all cancer survivors as it is the first published intervention that provides preliminary evidence of its efficacy in decreasing fear of cancer recurrence.

Learn the game but don't play it: nurses' perspectives on learning and applying statistics in practice.

BACKGROUND: An integrative review regarding undergraduate level statistics pedagogy for nurses revealed a paucity of research to inform curricula development and delivery. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to explore alumni nurses' perspectives about statistics education and its application to practice. DESIGN: A mixed-method approach was used whereby a quantitative approach was used to complement and develop the qualitative aspect. SETTING: This study was conducted in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were nursing alumni who graduated from four types of nursing degree programs (BScN) in two Ontario universities between the years 2005-2009. METHODS: Data were collected via surveys (n=232) followed by interviews (n=36). RESULTS: Participants reported that they did not fear statistics and that they thought their math skills were very good or excellent. They felt that statistics courses were important to their nursing practice but they were not required to use statistics. Qualitative findings emerged in the two major themes: 1) nurses value statistics and 2) nurses do not feel comfortable using statistics. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses recognize the inherent value of statistics to improve their professional image and interprofessional communication; yet they feel denied of full participation in application to their practice. Our findings have major implications for changes in pedagogy and practice.

Inclusive mosaic: promoting diversity in nursing through youth mentorship.

In this paper we describe the Inclusive Mosaic project, a community-university partnership in an outer-city community in a large Canadian metropolis aimed at promoting diversity in nursing. The project brought together nursing student mentors with middle school and high school youth from diverse backgrounds in a mentoring program aimed at increasing participants' interest in, and confidence in pursuing, higher education and a career in nursing or other health profession. The concepts of emancipatory education, self-efficacy, and possible selves provided the theoretical foundation. Project processes, activities, and outcomes are described, and a post-hoc evaluation encompassing the project's strengths, challenges, limitations, and successes is presented. Recommendations to inform future research and education are also provided.

Patients' perceptions of their roles in goal setting in a spinal cord injury regional rehabilitation program.

Goal setting is a common practice in rehabilitation, yet there is a paucity of literature exploring patients' perceptions of their roles in this process. This study was conducted using a qualitative descriptive methodology to explore patients' perceptions of their roles in setting goals in a spinal cord injury regional rehabilitation program. Imogene King's theory of goal attainment was used to frame the study. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using a content analysis. The results revealed four themes: Visioning, Redefining, Brainstorming, and Rebuilding Participants (n = 13) envisioned their roles as setting an overarching priority goal, defining detailed rehabilitation goals, sharing knowledge with the team, and rebuilding skills to attain goals. Implications for nursing practice include the need to understand patients' experiences and perceptions, share knowledge, and support effective communication to promote collaborative goal setting. A need to enhance health professionals' education to fully understand factors influencing patients' abilities to set rehabilitation goals, and future research in methods to promote patients' engagement in goal setting was also clearly indicated.