Hypnosis for cancer care: over 200 years young.

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE Hypnosis has been used to provide psychological and physical comfort to individuals diagnosed with cancer for nearly 200 years. The goals of this review are: 1) to describe hypnosis and its components and to dispel misconceptions; 2) to provide an overview of hypnosis as a cancer prevention and control technique (covering its use in weight management, smoking cessation, as an adjunct to diagnostic and treatment procedures, survivorship, and metastatic disease); and 3) to discuss future research directions. Overall, the literature supports the benefits of hypnosis for improving quality of life during the course of cancer and its treatment. However, a great deal more work needs to be done to explore the use of hypnosis in survivorship, to understand the mediators and moderators of hypnosis interventions, and to develop effective dissemination strategies.

Validation of a model of family caregiver communication types and related caregiver outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Caring for the family is included as one of the eight domains of quality palliative care, calling attention to the importance of the family system and family communications about cancer during care and treatment of the disease. Previously, a model of family caregiver communication defined four caregiver communication types-Manager, Carrier, Partner, Lone-each with a unique communication pattern. The purpose of the present study was to extend the model of family caregiver communication in cancer care to further understand the impact of family communication burden on caregiving outcomes. METHOD: This mixed-method study employed fieldnotes from a family caregiver intervention focused on quality of life and self-reported caregiver communication items to identify a specific family caregiver type. Caregiver types were then analyzed using outcome measures on psychological distress, skills preparedness, family inventory of needs, and quality-of-life domains. RESULTS: Corroboration between fieldnotes and self-reported communication for caregivers (n = 21, 16 women, mean age of 53 years) revealed a definitive classification of the four caregiver types (Manager = 6, Carrier = 5, Partner = 6, Lone = 4). Mean scores on self-reported communication items documented different communication patterns congruent with the theoretical framework of the model. Variation in caregiver outcomes measures confirmed the model of family caregiver communication types. Partner and Lone caregivers reported the lowest psychological distress, with Carrier caregivers feeling least prepared and Manager caregivers reporting the lowest physical quality of life. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This study illustrates the impact of family communication on caregiving and increases our knowledge and understanding about the role of communication in caregiver burden. The research provides the first evidence-based validation for a family caregiver communication typology and its relationship to caregiver outcomes. Future research is needed to develop and test interventions that target specific caregiver types.

Self-care strategies for nurses: A psycho-educational intervention for stress reduction and the prevention of burnout.

The purpose of this project is to develop and evaluate a psycho-educational program that assists nurses to develop stress management plans. Discussion of nursing-specific risk factors, practice with relaxation techniques, and exploration via art are used as interventions. Quantitative and qualitative measures of stress and burnout are conducted pre- and postcourse using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Draw-a-Person-in-the-Rain Art Assessment, and wellness plans. Descriptive statistics are used, and preliminary analysis indicates that the course is useful in impacting levels of emotional exhaustion. There are opportunities for evolving the program so that more enduring change in self-care is generated.

Psychological issues of stem cell transplant.

OBJECTIVES: To address the psychological impact of transplant on quality of life, including physical, psychological, social, and spiritual, for the patient and caregiver, and to discuss the nurse's "emotional labor of caring" and "compassion fatigue" for such an intense vulnerable population. DATA SOURCES: Psychological transplant studies, peer review journals, and textbooks. CONCLUSION: The psychological impact after the experience of transplant can leave an indelible impression on the patient, caregiver, and nurse. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Suggestions are made for assessment and management of various potential psychological issues for the three mentioned populations. With these issues being better understood, nurses can actively lessen psychological morbidity.

A Support Intervention for Family Caregivers of Advanced Cancer Patients.

Family caregivers are the primary providers of care. Education and support are needed to prepare them for the complex physical, psychological, social, and spiritual effects of cancer. This randomized clinical trial tested a palliative care intervention with 240 family caregivers, focusing on family caregivers who reported financial strain from cancer and treatment. A four-part educational program demonstrated improved outcomes in the intervention group in the measures of objective burden, caregiving preparation, and quality of life. The role of advanced practitioners in providing tailored psychoeducation and support to caregivers is important in order to meet the integral needs of patients with cancer as well as to enhance caregiver self-care.