Women's decision process when actively choosing to 'go flat' after breast cancer: a constructivist grounded theory study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe a conceptual model that could illuminate the decision process women go through when choosing to go flat on one or both sides due to breast cancer. METHODS: A qualitative design, with constructivist grounded theory was used. Eighteen women were individually interviewed, digitally or by telephone, until saturation was reached. Data were analysed using a constant comparative iterative method in accordance with grounded theory. By examining the text data to identify the decision process for going flat and rejecting reconstructive surgery open coding was obtained. As the study proceeded patterns were explored and categories developed into a core category. RESULTS: The overall decision process for women choosing to go flat on one or both sides emerged in three phases: Phase 1, where the women are forced to "Face the cancer", Phase 2 comprising "Reflections on health and motivation" and Phase 3, described as "Hobson's choice". The fundament of the decision process was found in the core category "Establishing and safeguarding the chosen self". CONCLUSIONS: The decision process involved in actively going flat and rejecting reconstructive surgery is founded in the individual woman's motivations, such as view of femininity and apprehensions about the offered reconstructive surgery.

The role of the specialist nurse in comprehensive care for bleeding disorders in Europe: An integrative review.

INTRODUCTION: Managing bleeding disorders (BDs) is complex, requiring a comprehensive approach coordinated by a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Haemophilia nurses (HNs) play a central role in the MDT, frequently coordinating care. As novel treatments bring change to the treatment landscape, ongoing education and development is key. However, understanding of the roles and tasks of HNs is lacking. AIM: The EAHAD Nurses Committee sought to identify and describe the roles and tasks of the European HN. METHODS: A five-step integrative review was undertaken, including problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data synthesis and presentation. Relevant literature published from 2000 to 2022 was identified through database, hand and ancestry searching. Data were captured using extraction forms and thematically analysed. RESULTS: Seven hundred and seventy-seven articles were identified; 43 were included. Five main roles were identified, with varied and overlapping associated tasks: Educator, Coordinator, Supporter, Treater and Researcher. Tasks related to education, coordination and support were most frequently described. Patient education was often 'nurse-led', though education and coordination roles concerned both patients and health care practitioners (HCPs), within and beyond the MDT. The HN coordinates care and facilitates communication. Long-term patient care relationships place HNs in a unique position to provide support. Guidelines for HN core competencies have been developed in some countries, but autonomy and practice vary. CONCLUSION: As the treatment landscape changes, all five main HN roles will be impacted. Despite national variations, this review provides a baseline to anticipate educational needs to enable HNs to continue to fulfil their role.