The African Caribbean Immigrant Cancer Survivor Experience in the United States: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: Growing numbers of African Caribbean immigrants with cancer reside in the United States and frequently encounter different challenges than survivors born in the United States. LITERATURE SEARCH: More than a decade of research was searched in the PubMed®, Embase®, CINAHL®, and Scopus® databases using terms reflective of African Caribbean immigrant survivors in the United States. DATA EVALUATION: The initial search in this scoping review revealed 912 articles, with seven meeting inclusion criteria. Data extracted from articles included purpose/aims, design, sample/setting, methods, and results. SYNTHESIS: Five retrospective analyses, one case report, and one qualitative study comprised the final sample. Thematic analysis used to synthesize results revealed two themes: survival patterns and barriers. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: The results indicated a need to identify and address root causes of disparity, and track the effectiveness of available treatments and outcomes by country of birth. Research capturing the experiences of African Caribbean immigrants would benefit from collaboration with community leaders and survivors. Oncology nurses play critical roles in leading research and developing culturally informed practices in clinical settings.

Bariatric surgery in the Middle East and North Africa: narrative review with focus on culture-specific considerations.

There is an increasing volume of bariatric surgeries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), but the context of bariatric surgery in the region is not fully understood. Incorporating culture-specific considerations in the provision of care to patients who undergo bariatric surgery may help to optimize outcomes after surgery. We conducted a narrative review of published research studies on bariatric surgery in the MENA region, highlighting cultural and contextual aspects relevant to the care of bariatric surgery patients who undergo surgery in this geographic area. The authors searched the following online databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Academic Search Elite from 2010-2020 for studies conducted in 18 countries in the MENA region. This narrative review identifies cultural-specific considerations that may affect bariatric care and outcomes in 6 domains: knowledge of bariatric surgery; mental health, body image, and quality of life; influence of family; religion and lifestyle; preoperative practices; and healthcare access. Provision of culturally congruent care may help patients to achieve the best possible outcomes after bariatric surgery. Results may inform efforts to provide safe and culture-specific care in the MENA region, as well as those who migrate or seek care in other countries. More research is warranted on this heterogeneous population to optimize postsurgery weight trajectory and psychosocial adjustment.

Oncology Resources for Students Enrolled in Pre-Licensure and Graduate Nursing Programs in the United States: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVES: This scoping review summarizes oncology resources for pre-licensure and graduate nursing programs in the United States. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases were searched to identify resources (2008-2019) published in peer-reviewed journals. While 1,503 papers were initially identified, 49 met inclusion criteria. CONCLUSION: Thematic analysis revealed five themes with subthemes: (1) didactic courses; (2) clinical opportunities; (3) didactic and clinical resources; (4) simulation resources; and (5) other. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Academic educators are charged with preparing a nursing workforce capable of providing safe and quality evidence-based care across the cancer continuum. Findings offer examples that overcome curriculum barriers.

The Asian Immigrant Cancer Survivor Experience in the United States: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is the leading cause of death for Asian Americans, a growing population in the United States. While cancer survivors often experience complex issues after diagnosis, being an immigrant and having cancer pose additional challenges. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review analyzed research about immigrant cancer survivors of Asian ethnicity in the United States and provided a structured method to understand an area of research and evidence. Aims focused on immigrants' experiences and how findings could tailor evidence-based interventions, programs, and resources. METHODS: The PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases were searched to identify studies in English (2009-2018) targeting Asian immigrant cancer survivors in the United States. While 385 records were initially identified, 32 studies met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Thematic analysis of charted study elements revealed 4 themes with subthemes: (1) survival patterns, (2) barriers, (3) culturally informed care, and (4) quality of life (QOL). While qualitative studies provided insight about the cancer experience from immigrants' perspectives, quantitative designs posed descriptions and associations among QOL concepts. CONCLUSIONS: Study results illustrate the need for survival research that explores outcomes by Asian ethnic subgroups and tracks the influence of acculturation. Future research should test culturally informed interventions that minimize barriers and foster QOL across the cancer continuum. Culturally tailored instruments can expedite larger-scaled studies that allow generalization. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Asian immigrants comprise an underserved, vulnerable, and growing group with various cancers. Nurses who care for immigrants and their families should be cognizant of cultural beliefs, values, practices, and issues related to communication, care access, and socioeconomics.