Knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers of oncology nurses in promoting physical activity in cancer survivors: a cross-sectional survey in China.

PURPOSE: To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Chinese nurses in promoting physical activity among cancer survivors and the relationships between these attributes and to identify the factors hindering nurses' clinical practice. METHODS: Nurses from oncology-related departments of 10 public tertiary hospitals in Shandong Province completed self-administered questionnaires that included information about demographics; knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physical activity promotion; and barriers to clinical practice. The STROBE statement for observational studies was applied. RESULTS: A total of 502 valid questionnaires were obtained. The average standardized scores of knowledges, attitudes, and practice were 75.33%, 82.36%, and 62.60%, respectively. Oncology specialist nurses and nurses who had received relevant training had higher levels of knowledge, nurses from general hospitals reported higher levels of practice, and nurses who had learned the relevant guidelines were better in terms of knowledge, attitude, and level of practice. Attitude had a statistically significant mediating effect between knowledge and practice. Lack of time, lack of multidisciplinary clinical teams, and lack of clear guidelines were the most frequently reported barriers to practice. CONCLUSION: In China, nurses have a moderate level of knowledge and practice in promoting physical activity among cancer survivors, but a positive attitude. Numerous barrier factors present challenges in nurses' clinical practice. Attitude plays a partial mediating role between knowledge and practice.

The relationship between core competence and perceived professional benefits among oncology specialist nurses: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: To investigate the current state and influencing factors of core competence of oncology specialist nurses as well as the relationship between core competence and perceived professional benefits. DESIGN: A cross-sectional correlational survey. METHODS: This questionnaire survey was conducted with oncology specialist nurses working in a Grade III A (tertiary) Public Cancer Hospital in Jinan, China in March 2021. Based on informed consent, a convenience sampling of 350 nurses participated in the study, with 322 valid questionnaires collected. Using IBM SPSS21.0, the data were analysed to perform descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple stepwise regression analysis and Pearson's correlation analysis. RESULTS: The overall average score of nurses' core competence was 224.28 ± 7.95, a medium level and the overall average score of their perceived professional benefits was 132.99 ± 5.05. Nurses' core competence was positively correlated with perceived professional benefits. The differences in professional title, education, working years and perceived professional benefits were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The findings indicated that nurses' perceived professional benefit is an important factor affecting core competence. Nursing managers who take main responsibility for the quality of care should adopt measures to increase perceived professional benefits, which not only promote nurses' job satisfaction and happiness, but also enhance the development of their core competence and the quality of cancer care as well. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: All participants contributed to the conducting of this study by completing self-reported questionnaires.

"Pioneers, yes. We all should think that way" Improving Papua New Guinea Cancer Nurses Education through an International Partnership.

OBJECTIVES: First, to understand Papua New Guinea (PNG) oncology nursing issues perceived through the nurses' lens of unmet supportive care needs of people affected by cancer and to identify nurses' self-perceived educational priorities in cancer care. Second, to evaluate the tailored bidirectional learning and knowledge transfer among the participants of the Australia Capital Territory Health and PNG Oncology Nursing Development Program hosted in Australia in June 2023. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Two focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Based on PNG oncology nurses' experiences and self-assessed educational needs, the findings were analyzed and presented separately for Time 1 before the PNG Oncology Nursing Development program and Time 2 following the completion of the program. RESULTS: The findings from the Time 1 focus group identified four themes: (1) educational priorities, (2) system-wide challenges, (3) patient unmet care needs, and (4) cultural beliefs. After the completion of the educational program, there were four emergent themes: (1) new educational experiences, (2) learnings into practice, (3) culturally sensitive nursing, and (4) leadership (PNG nursing trailblazers). This study, for the first time, provided the PNG RNs with a "voice," to empower them to take more leading roles in important decision-making regarding care structures and management. CONCLUSION: Policymakers, government officials, and international cancer organizations must continue to work together to support cancer control in PNG in light of the current and projected limited resources and barriers to timely cancer diagnosis and treatment in PNG. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Through observing and learning from a modern cancer department, PNG oncology nurses have gained insight into what is needed for a safe cancer service for both patients and nurses. Oncology nursing education in PNG needs to be further developed, enhanced, and supported for sustainability of cancer nurses in the long term.

Assessment of Nursing Workload and Complexity Associated with Oncology Clinical Trials: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVES: Clinical trials (CTs) play a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge and patient care but are increasingly complex and resource-intensive. This scoping review aims to explore the current approaches for evaluating workload (WL) in oncology CTs and identify tools for measuring clinical research nurses' WL. METHODS: The search was conducted through MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, and COCHRANE databases and carried out through the framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley and revised by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Data extraction and synthesis were performed to analyze instruments used for WL assessment and their dimensions. RESULTS: Of the 1,005 records identified, 12 meet the inclusion criteria. The complexity and WL associated with CTs can be attributed to five main domains: (1) protocol, (2) single case, (3) data management, (4) regulatory, and (5) worker-related. These instruments varied in their approaches, scoring systems, and domains assessed. Notably, the protocol-related domain was prevalent across most instruments, highlighting its importance in WL evaluation. Furthermore, findings revealed a wide range of WL scores across different studies, emphasizing the complexity and variability in WL management within CTs. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review underscores the importance of evaluating WL in CTs and provides insights into existing tools and approaches. Nurses, as integral members of clinical research teams, bear significant responsibilities in trial management, necessitating a balanced approach to WL allocation. Future research should focus on validating and standardizing assessment tools to optimize resource allocation and enhance research efficiency in CT centers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Understanding WL dynamics in CTs is essential for nurses involved in research delivery. By utilizing validated WL assessment tools, nurses can advocate for appropriate staffing levels and promote efficient trial management, ultimately improving patient outcomes and research quality in CT settings.

Nursing Considerations for the Clinical Management of Adverse Events Associated with Talquetamab in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma.

OBJECTIVES: Talquetamab is a newly approved bispecific antibody targeting the CD3 receptor on T cells and a receptor, G protein-coupled receptor family C group 5 member D (GPRC5D), highly expressed on multiple myeloma (MM) cells. In addition to immune therapy-related adverse events (AEs) associated with bispecific antibody therapies, talquetamab is associated with unique skin/nail and oral GPRC5D-related side effects that require additional supportive care. This review provides clinical management strategies for talquetamab based on oncology nurses' experience during the MonumenTAL-1 (NCT03399799/NCT04634552) clinical trial. The objective of this review is to raise awareness among nurses and patients to better understand and manage the side effects associated with talquetamab treatment in order to optimize patient outcomes. DATA SOURCES: MonumenTAL-1 is a phase 1/2 clinical trial of talquetamab in patients with relapsed/refractory MM who are triple-class exposed. Details on overall response, safety, and AE incidence and occurrence were previously published. Management strategies for the T-cell-related and unique GPRC5D-related AEs were collected from oncology nurses from different study sites. CONCLUSION: Talquetamab has shown overall response rates of >71% in patients with relapsed/refractory MM in the MonumenTAL-1 study. AEs were low grade and predictable; few led to study discontinuation. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses have specialized knowledge of treatment administration monitoring based on their participation in the MonumenTAL-1 trial. This review provides information for nurses in both the academic and community settings on how to monitor, counsel, and support patients, which will in turn improve patients' quality of life and overall survival.

The Relationships among communication competence, professional autonomy and clinical reasoning competence in oncology nurses.

AIMS: To investigate the relationships among communication competence, professional autonomy and clinical reasoning and to identify the factors that influence clinical reasoning competence in oncology nurses. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive design. METHODS: Participants included 147 oncology nurses with more than a year of clinical experience in cancer wards. The Global Interpersonal Communication Competence Scale, Schutzenhofer Professional Autonomy Scale and Nurses Clinical Reasoning Scale (NCRS) were used to collect data. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Communication competence (r = 0.59) and professional autonomy (r = 0.46) showed significant positive relationships with clinical reasoning competence. Clinical experience, communication competence, age and professional autonomy were statistically significant predictors and explained 48.6% of clinical reasoning competence. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical reasoning competence of oncology nurses increases proportionally with their communication competence and professional autonomy. Therefore, oncology nurses must reinforce their communication competence and professional autonomy to enhance their clinical reasoning competence. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: The reinforcement of communication competence and professional autonomy is necessary for oncology nurses to enhance their clinical reasoning competence. In order to improve nurses' communication competence, practical-focused communication education programmes must be designed and deployed systematically and periodically. In addition, to increase nurses' professional autonomy, it is necessary to expand their clinical experiences through the regular rotation of working units and to make institutional efforts to retain experienced nurses. REPORTING METHOD: We have adhered to STROBE checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Participants in the study were recruited online. They were informed of the study's purpose, method and usability and the survey could only be conducted if they consented to participate voluntarily.

Cultivating a Culture of Gratitude and Recognition Among Nurses and Staff on a Blood and Marrow Transplantation Unit.

OBJECTIVES: To measure baseline work gratitude among nurses and staff on a blood and marrow transplantation unit; to evaluate the impact of a positive workplace recognition intervention on work gratitude, sense of belonging and community, and job satisfaction; and to explore the relationships among these variables and job satisfaction. SAMPLE & SETTING: In total, 40 survey responses (preintervention =24, postintervention = 16) were collected from nurses and staff on a blood and marrow transplantation unit at a large academic hospital. METHODS & VARIABLES: A pre- and postintervention survey included a demographic questionnaire and the Work Gratitude Scale. Public-facing digital signage was installed and used to project positive recognition, including expressions of gratitude from patients and staff. RESULTS: Those with higher job satisfaction and a stronger sense of belonging and community reported higher work gratitude scores. There were no significant changes in job satisfaction, sense of belonging and community, and work gratitude scores. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Creating a positive work environment through gratitude and positive recognition could increase job satisfaction and sense of belonging and community among nurses and staff.

Unmasking the Process: Perils and Facilitators of Successful Publishing in Forum.

Now in my fifth year as editor, I have gained insights into the publishing process that I was not fully aware of as an author. I would like to share some of these insights and suggestions for prospective authors considering s.

Cancer Nurses' Voices and Recommendations to Address Workforce Challenges: A Qualitative Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Amidst the fulfilment of making a positive impact on patients' lives, cancer nurses also contend with high workloads, limited resources, and barriers to career advancement. Understanding the perceptions of cancer nurses is essential in addressing these challenges and fostering an environment that promotes both professional satisfaction and optimal patient care. Our aim was to explore Australian cancer nurses' experiences and perspectives of workforce challenges and their proposed solutions to address them. METHODS: The Cancer Nurses Society Australia workforce cross-sectional survey was distributed online in 2022 through professional networks and social media. Free text responses to open-ended questions were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and inductive processes. RESULTS: Responses from 601 cancer nurses highlight the intricate interplay between rewards and obstacles experienced by the profession and identify key areas for improvement. Positive and negative quotes highlight the passion of cancer nurses which were summarized into themes and subthemes: 1) Finding fulfilment while struggling against the tide. While feeling undervalued and facing workload pressures, burnout and limited opportunities for career progression, nurses express love for their jobs, finding it rewarding yet emotionally challenging. 2) Grassroots solutions versus organizational inertia. Proposed solutions included addressing nurse-to-patient ratios, proactive succession planning, more specific education, dedicated time for learning, and mentorship and career development programs. Perceived barriers to initiatives included lethargic management and resistance to change. Networking opportunities, appropriate remuneration, and interdisciplinary teamwork with an appreciation of individual expertise are desired. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings give a voice to the cancer nurses of Australia. Nurses identified a range of solutions to address workforce challenges. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Addressing the systemic issues that contribute to high workload and impede nurses' well-being and their recognition, and promoting policies to support professional growth will increase satisfaction, enhance patient care outcomes, and contribute to a sustainable workforce.

The Effect of Education and Monitoring via Tele-Nursing to Elderly Cancer Patients Using Oral Anticancer Agents on Self-efficacy and Medication Adherence: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of the education and monitoring provided via tele-nursing to elderly cancer patients using oral anticancer agents on their medication treatment adherence self-efficacy and medication adherence. METHODS: The sample of the study consisted of 60 elderly cancer patients who presented to the oncology outpatient clinics of a medical faculty hospital in Turkey. An Elderly Information Form, the Oral Chemotherapy Adherence Scale, the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale, a Tele-nursing Evaluation Form, and a Telephone Monitoring Form were used to collect data. Patients in the intervention group were sent text messages and educational videos via WhatsApp® for the first four weeks, and after the fifth week, they were monitored by phone for eight weeks. Data collection tools were applied to the control and intervention groups at weeks 1, 8, and 12. Independent samples t-test, Repeated measurements analysis of variance chi-square test, and Pearson correlation test were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: In the study, while there was no significant difference between the mean scores of the intervention and control groups on the pretest application of the Oral Chemotherapy Adherence Scale and the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale (p > .05), a significant difference was found between the mean posttest scores of the groups (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, it was determined that the education and monitoring provided to elderly cancer patients via tele-nursing positively affected their self-efficacy and medication adherence. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: In line with the research results, it is recommended that nurses use tele-nursing applications in the care of elderly cancer patients using oral anticancer agents.

Using Data to Improve Healthcare: A Case Study of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement in Pancreatic Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: In the UK, guidelines recommend pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) to all people with unresectable pancreatic cancer. In 2023, we published a national audit of PERT which showed suboptimal prescribing and wide regional variation in England. The aim of this manuscript was to describe how we used the PERT audit to drive improvements in healthcare. METHODS: Building on the PERT audit, we deployed an online dashboard which will deliver ongoing updates of the PERT audit. We developed a collaborative intervention with cancer nurse specialists (CNS) to improve care delivered to people with pancreatic cancer. The intervention called Creating a natiOnAL CNS pancrEatic cancer network to Standardise and improve CarE (COALESCE) will use the dashboard to evaluate improvements in prescribing of PERT. RESULTS: We demonstrated how large databases of electronic healthcare records (EHRs) can be used to improve cancer care. The PERT audit was implemented into a dashboard for tracking the progress of COALESCE. We will measure improvements in PERT prescribing as the intervention with CNS progresses. CONCLUSIONS: Improving healthcare is an ongoing and iterative process. By implementing the PERT dashboard, we created a resource-efficient, automated evaluation method enabling COALESCE to deliver a sustainable change. National-scale databases of EHRs enable rapid cycles of audits, providing regular feedback to interventions, working systematically to deliver change. Here, the focus is on pancreatic cancer. However, this methodology is transferable to other areas of healthcare. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses play a key role in collecting good quality data which are needed in clinical audits to identify shortcomings in healthcare. Nurse-driven interventions can be designed to improve healthcare. In this study, we capitalize on the unique role of CNS coordinating care for every patient with cancer. COALESCE is the first national collaborative study which uses CNS as researchers and change agents.

Assistive Devices for Addressing Mobility Impairments Linked to Cancer and Cancer Treatment: An Expert Perspective.

OBJECTIVES: Cancer survivors often experience mobility impairments that negatively impact their ability to engage in everyday activities. Healthcare providers working with patients in the continuum of cancer care play essential roles in identifying and addressing mobility impairments. The objective of this article is to present common assistive devices valuable in managing cancer and cancer treatment-related mobility impairments. METHODS: Peer-reviewed scientific publications and expert opinions. RESULTS: This article highlights assistive devices commonly used in various settings of cancer care and describes how they address different impairments faced by cancer survivors. The information presented can potentially serve as a resource when training clinical staff (eg, oncology nursing staff) on device provision across all settings. The information can also be useful for patients and caregivers to learn about potential functional impairments linked to cancer and treatments and assistive devices that can be useful to improve patients' functional capacity and reduce caregiver burden. CONCLUSION: It is essential to involve different team members to identify and select the most appropriate assistive devices that match the patient's functional needs and physical capacity and to train them in device use so they can safely carry out their daily routine. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses are one of the first providers to identify mobility impairments in cancer patients. This article will help increase their knowledge in common assistive devices valuable for addressing various mobility impairments associated with cancer and treatments. With additional training on device provision, oncology nurses will be more empowered to collaborate with rehabilitation to identify potential mobility impairments, initiate device provision, and encourage their patients to work with therapy services. Ultimately this could reduce injuries linked to mobility impairments and improve the patient's functional independence and overall quality of life.

Enhancing Mobility and Well-Being in Older Adults with Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze mobility challenges in older adult with cancer. METHODS: Data from previous literature was extracted and analyzed pertaining to the topic of interest. RESULTS: Mobility issues for the older adult with cancer are multi-factorial and are impacted by age-related changes, comorbidities, cancer itself, and cancer treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Proven benefits have been suggested with mobility assessments, exercise and dietary interventions, and cancer rehabilitation programs however further research is needed to define integration and utilization of programs, facilitation of cancer survivors returning to work, inclusion of socially disadvantaged patients, program compliance, economic aspects, and caregiver involvement to improve quality of life across the cancer continuum. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses are in a key role to impact the care of the older adult with cancer with mobility through patient assessment of mobility function, facilitation of patient referrals for supportive services and cancer rehabilitation and execution of nurse-led intervention programs.

Antineoplastic Therapy Administration Safety Standards for Adult and Pediatric Oncology: ASCO-ONS Standards.

PURPOSE: To update the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)-Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) standards for antineoplastic therapy administration safety in adult and pediatric oncology and highlight current standards for antineoplastic therapy for adult and pediatric populations with various routes of administration and location. METHODS: ASCO and ONS convened a multidisciplinary Expert Panel with representation of multiple organizations to conduct literature reviews and add to the standards as needed. The evidence base was combined with the opinion of the ASCO-ONS Expert Panel to develop antineoplastic safety standards and guidance. Public comments were solicited and considered in preparation of the final manuscript. RESULTS: The standards presented here include clarification and expansion of existing standards to include home administration and other changes in processes of ordering, preparing, and administering antineoplastic therapy; the advent of immune effector cellular therapy; the importance of social determinants of health; fertility preservation; and pregnancy avoidance. In addition, the standards have added a fourth verification. STANDARDS: Standards are provided for which health care organizations and those involved in all aspects of patient care can safely deliver antineoplastic therapy, increase the quality of care, and reduce medical errors.

The Effect of Oncology Nurse Navigation on Mental Health in Patients with Cancer in Taiwan: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

In this study, we investigated the prevalence of mental health problems among patients with cancer and whether oncology nurse navigation improved their mental health outcomes and medical experience. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, we recruited 128 outpatients with cancer via purposive sampling from a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan. Participants were randomly assigned to the navigation group (N = 61) or the usual care group (N = 67). Data were collected from January 2019 to July 2020 using questionnaires, including the self-reported Distress Thermometer, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Demoralization Scale, and Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care. Data were collected at baseline and after three and six months of the intervention. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were performed. The prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, distress, and demoralization were 17.9%, 15.7%, 29.7%, and 29.7%, respectively. After three months, the participants in the navigation group exhibited significantly reduced levels of anxiety, demoralization, and emotional distress (reduced by 92%, 75%, and 58%, respectively) and reported a better medical experience (odds ratio = 1.40) than those in the usual care group.

The use of spirituality/religiosity by oncology nurse residents in nursing care.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the use of spirituality/religiosity by oncology nurse residents in caring for patients with cancer. METHODS: a census, descriptive, sectional study, with 46 nurse residents from three public hospitals in Rio de Janeiro. Data collection took place between August 2020 and January 2021, using a sociodemographic questionnaire, including a question about the use of spirituality/ religiosity to deal with work situations. Descriptive analysis was carried out using SPSS software version 22.0. RESULTS: participants stated that they use religiosity/spirituality in work situations related to patients or themselves. In relation to patients, death was the most mentioned situation among professionals, and for themselves, everyday situations and emotional vulnerability were the most mentioned. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: spirituality and religiosity are dimensions that guide oncology nurse residents' attitudes.

Precision Health Symptom Science in Oncology Nursing.

Precision health is an emerging approach to predicting, preventing, treating, and managing disease. A goal of precision health symptom science research is the reliable prediction of patients' symptom burden to optimize robu.

Fertility Preservation in Individuals With Cancer.

The position statement on fertility preservation was produced through collaborative efforts among the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses, Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology/Association canadienne des.

Trauma-Informed Care Addressing the Mental and Emotional Needs of Patients With Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The oncology care environment includes a wide range of traumatic physical and emotional experiences that can be challenging for patients and healthcare providers. OBJECTIVES: This article aims to establish a knowledge base about the trauma-informed care (TIC) approach in oncology care. METHODS: This article provides a literature-based overview of TIC as a model of care for patients with cancer, informed by definitions of trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and adverse childhood experiences. This review is based on clinical studies, expertise, and evidence-based guidelines. FINDINGS: Based on a foundation of care for patients with cancer, nurses can apply TIC to clinical oncology practice. To illustrate TIC in practice, this article includes a case study, nursing approaches, implications, the TIC model of care, and resources. When applied to care, TIC benefits patients, staff, and organizations.