Male partners' experiences of caregiving for women with cervical cancer-a qualitative study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop knowledge on the experiences of male partners of women with cervical cancer during and after the illness. We explore men's experiences of becoming caregivers as well as how the illness trajectory affects or has affected the relationship. BACKGROUND: Receiving a cancer diagnosis has a significant impact on the lives of both the cancer patient and their family members. However, studies of male partners' experiences with cancer patients are scarce. Additionally, cervical cancer and its impact on male caregivers are less explored than how other cancer diagnoses impact male caregivers. The theoretical concept of caring masculinities is helpful to interpret men's experiences as caregivers and partners. DESIGN: The study employs a qualitative design with semi-structured interviews with six men/partners recruited through the gynaecological section at a hospital. COREQ reporting guidelines have been applied. FINDINGS: Based on our analyses, we find that men's experiences of being caregivers and partners of women treated for cervical cancer are multifaceted, comprising emotional and practical aspects. However, three main findings stand out as particularly significant for men in the context of cervical cancer: loneliness, an altered sexual relationship and shared feelings of vulnerability. CONCLUSIONS: The men describe an interdependence in the relationship with the women but also how the relationships have been seriously altered, particularly when it comes to sexuality. These findings resonate with hegemonic as well as caring masculinities. RELEVANCE TO PRACTICE: Complex issues of intimacy and sexuality should be a pivotal element in educating future healthcare professionals. We strongly suggest that issues such as dealing with masculinity and caregiving roles should be on the agenda and reflected upon in teaching and supervising in clinical practice. A broader approach to sexual health and relationships is needed in the patient-clinician relationships, including information about human papillomavirus.

A nurse-led cervical screening clinic in primary care.

Eliza is a practice nurse in a large general practice in England. She is trained in cancer screening and health promotion as well as chronic disease management. Today patients are consulting with her for their cervical smear test.

Violence against women and cervical cancer screening: a systematic review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To present a systematic review of papers published on the relationship between violence against women and cervical cancer screening. BACKGROUND: Violence against women is a serious public health problem. This phenomenon can have negative effects on victims' health and affect the frequency at which they receive cervical cancer screening. DESIGN: A systematic literature review. METHODS: This study was carried out in October 2015 with searches of the Lilacs, PubMed and Web of Science databases using the following keywords: violence, domestic violence, battered women, spouse abuse, Papanicolaou test, vaginal smears, early detection of cancer and cervix uteri. RESULTS: Eight papers published between 2002-2013 were included in this review, most of which were cross-sectional studies. Three studies found no association between victimisation and receiving Pap testing, and five studies reported an association. These contradictory results were due to higher or lower examination frequencies among the women who had experienced violence. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the association between violence against women and cervical cancer screening remains inconclusive, and they demonstrate the need for more detailed studies to help clarify this relationship. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Professionals who aid women should be knowledgeable regarding the perception and detection of violence so that they can interrupt the cycle of aggression, which has harmful impacts on victims' health.

A study on the predictors of Korean male students' intention to receive human papillomavirus vaccination.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The objective was to survey the current state of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and the predictors of vaccination intention among Korean male students of high school (ages 15-19) and university (ages 17-27). BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted infectious agent causing uterine cervical, anal, and/or penile cancer and genital warts in males and females. Infection rate of human papillomavirus increases from the age when sexual intercourse first occurs. Therefore, motivation to receive human papillomavirus vaccination is needed to protect infection. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive survey was performed only in male students. They are less aware of human papillomavirus than females, because human papillomavirus vaccination has been targeted on females for preventing cervical cancer in Korea. METHODS: Data were collected using a self-reporting questionnaire for male high school and university students sampled from a city in Korea. Human papillomavirus vaccine-related knowledge, health beliefs, demographic, and sexual history information variables relating to intentions to vaccinate were assessed. RESULTS: The human papillomavirus vaccination rate was very low and the levels of knowledge and health beliefs were low. The significant predictors that raised the intention of human papillomavirus vaccination were a university student, experience of sexual intercourse and perceiving the benefits of human papillomavirus vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: To promote human papillomavirus vaccination, educational programming targeting males should include health beliefs and knowledge, emphasising that vaccination is important to prevent uterine cervical cancer and to role as a preventative measure against common male diseases. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Male high school students should be included as a major target population for school human papillomavirus education programmes, as they are at the age of commencing sexual intercourse. In addition, public health policies including human papillomavirus vaccination in the national immunisation programme are warranted.

Cervical cancer screening in adolescents: an evidence-based internet education program for practice improvement among advanced practice nurses.

BACKGROUND: The literature reports great variation in the knowledge levels and application of the recent changes of cervical cancer screening guidelines into clinical practice. Evidence-based screening guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer offers healthcare providers the opportunity to improve practice patterns among female adolescents by decreasing psychological distress as well as reducing healthcare costs and morbidities associated with over-screening. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot intervention study was to determine the effects of a Web-based continuing education unit (CEU) program on advanced practice nurses' (APNs) knowledge of current cervical cancer screening evidence-based recommendations and their application in practice. This paper presents a process improvement project as an example of a way to disseminate updated evidence-based practice guidelines among busy healthcare providers. METHODS: This Web-based CEU program was developed, piloted, and evaluated specifically for APNs. The program addressed their knowledge level of cervical cancer and its relationship with high-risk human papillomavirus. It also addressed the new cervical cancer screening guidelines and the application of those guidelines into clinical practice. FINDINGS: Results of the study indicated that knowledge gaps exist among APNs about cervical cancer screening in adolescents. However, when provided with a CEU educational intervention, APNs' knowledge levels increased and their self-reported clinical practice behaviors changed in accordance with the new cervical cancer screening guidelines. LINKING EVIDENCE TO PRACTICE: Providing convenient and readily accessible up-to-date electronic content that provides CEU enhances the adoption of clinical practice guidelines, thereby decreasing the potential of the morbidities associated with over-screening for cervical cancer in adolescents and young women.

Practice nurses and cervical screening: a two-country review.

The aim of this review is to explore the literature relating to the delivery of cervical screening by practice nurses (PNs) in the United Kingdom and Australia. Research relating to PNs began in earnest approximately 15 years ago in the UK context, and more recently, c.2005, in Australia. Although there is scant literature devoted specifically to the role of PNs in cervical screening, literature relating to the role of PNs provides evidence of the extent to which PNs in the United Kingdom and Australia are involved in the provision of cervical screening services. Findings from this review indicate that the role of PNs in the provision of cervical screening differs substantially between the United Kingdom and Australia. PNs in the United Kingdom provide a high percentage of cervical screening services, whereas in Australia general practitioners provide around 80% of all cervical smears, which account for only 0.6% of all procedures undertaken by PNs. Employment and funding models and inadequate multidisciplinary collaboration are contributing to the underutilization of PNs in Australia.

Effect of structured teaching programme on VIA test for early detection and diagnosis of cervical cancer.

The conceptual framework of the study, undertaken in select health centres of New Delhi, was based on General System Model. The research approach was evaluative with one group pre-test and post-test design. The study population comprised of Community Health Workers working in selected centres in Najafgarh, Delhi. Purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 30 Community Health Workers. A structured knowledge questionnaire was developed to assess the knowledge of subjects. A Structured Teaching Programme was developed to enhance the knowledge of Community Health Workers. Pre-test was given on day 1 and Structured Teaching Programme administered on same day. Post-test was conducted on day 7. Most of the Community Health Workers were in the age group of 21-30 years with academic qualification up to Higher Secondary level. Maximum Community Health Workers had professional qualification as ANM/MPHW (female). Majority of the Community Health Workers had experience up to 5 years. Initially there was deficit in scores of knowledge of Community Health Workers regarding Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) test. Mean post-test knowledge scores of Community Health Workers were found to be signifi- cantly higher than their mean pre-test knowledge score. The Community Health Workers after expo- sure to Structured Teaching Programme gained a significant positive relationship between post-test knowledge scores. The study reveals the efficacy of Structured Teaching Programme in enhancing the knowledge of Community Health Workers regarding VIA test and a need for conducting a regular and well planned health teaching programme on VIA test for improving their knowledge on VIA test for the early detection and diagnosis of cervical cancer.

Colleen's story: reflections on the concept of "patient and family centered care".

As a patient who has also been a family caregiver, I would like to offer my reflections on the concept of "patient and family centered care." How is it defined from a patient perspective? Why is it important? In what circumstances is it evident? And where is it lacking? I would like to leave the reader with a list of relatively small but, in my experience, powerful things that health care workers can do today to improve the patient and family experience.

Midwives' practices related to cervical cancer screening during pregnancy: A vignette-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe midwives' practices related to cervical cancer screening and women's eligibility for screening during pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional vignette-based study of French midwives during February-May 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants were asked to complete an internet-based questionnaire: a clinical case-vignette about a woman eligible for cervical cancer screening during pregnancy and a short self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: We obtained 273 complete questionnaires from eligible midwives. Of those responding, 15% reported that they never screened for cervical cancer during pregnancy, 63.7% did so for women 25 years or older, and 51% adhered to the recommended intervals between tests. Overall, 110 (40%) midwives adhered to the complete screening protocol (age at initiation and interval). In this clinical case vignette of a woman meeting the criteria for screening, only 29% of midwives reported they would perform a Pap test at 25 weeks of gestation, while 91% would at 10 weeks. CONCLUSION: Midwives' practices of cervical cancer screening and their determination of women's eligibility during pregnancy vary, especially according to gestational age; Nevertheless, pregnancy is an appropriate time to screen women who meet the criteria for cervical cancer screening, especially if they are not receiving regular gynaecological care.

Cervical cancer: prevention, diagnosis, treatment and nursing care.

This article provides an update on cervical cancer, broadly covering aspects of the disease ranging from epidemiology to aetiology and prevention to treatment.

Clinical nurses' awareness and caring experiences for patients with cervical cancer: A qualitative study.

To determine the degree to which nurses are aware of cervical cancer and to describe nurses' experiences of caring for patients with cervical cancer. To promote quality of nursing care of cervical cancer, we need to explore their perceptions and nursing experience in doing cervical-cancer care. This study was a qualitative descriptive design. Interviews were conducted with 14 registered nurses. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analyzed. Content analysis was performed. Fourteen nurses who had been working at wards and cancer education centers were recruited in this study. Nine key themes emerged from three categories such as nurses' awareness of cervical cancer, awareness of cervical cancer patient and caring experience. Nurses expressed fear of cervical cancer and helplessness in the face of a life-threatening prognosis. Nurses stated that they might have prejudice about cervical cancer, since it is caused by a sexually transmitted disease. They also recalled that patients with cervical cancer were more sensitive and demanding. Our findings provide a comprehensive and in-depth perspective in understanding the experience of caring for cervical cancer patients. Clinical nurses showed complex emotional reactions to cervical cancer, and expressed prejudice against the sex life of cervical-cancer patients. More education is required to ensure that clinical nurses can provide a nurse-led intervention with patients by managing nurses' fear, prejudice, and the care burden.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Interventions on Increasing Participation in Cervical Cancer Screening.

BACKGROUND: Although cervical cancer is highly preventable through regular screenings using Pap smear or human papillomavirus-deoxyribonucleic acid tests, cervical cancer remains a prevalent women's health issue across the world. Therefore, encouraging women to screen for cervical cancer is very important for the early detection of cervical cancer. PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to (1) assess the effectiveness of three interventions that are typically used to increase the uptake of cervical cancer screening during home visits and (2) determine the participation rate in cervical cancer screenings after invitation, the health promotion perceptions, and the cervical cancer and screening-related knowledge of women. The three interventions noted in Purpose 1 were one-on-one training accompanied by an educational brochure, providing the educational brochure only, and giving an invitation without any relevant information. METHODS: This interventional study was conducted on women who were between the ages of 30 and 65 years in three Turkish provinces (Ankara, Malatya, and Trabzon). Five hundred twenty home visits were made, and 356 women who did not have a Pap smear test within the previous year were invited for cervical cancer screening. Women were randomized into one of three intervention groups, and the participants in each group were invited to attend a national cervical cancer screening program and to undergo a cervical cancer screening using the related intervention type. RESULTS: The results showed that the interventions used during home visits and knowledge were effective in encouraging women to participate in cervical cancer screening. It was determined that the participants who had received one-on-one training accompanied by an educational brochure had a higher cervical cancer screening rate than their peers who were offered a brochure only or a verbal invitation only. CONCLUSIONS: Invitations to screenings that are made by providing training accompanied with a brochure were found to be effective in increasing the participation of women in cervical cancer screening.

Achieving effective cervical screening coverage in South Africa through human resources and health systems development.

South Africa's cervical screening policy recommends three free Pap smears at ten-year intervals for all women over 30 years of age, aiming to achieve 70% coverage by 2010 by targeting the age group most at risk of developing pre-cancerous cervical lesions. Attaining wide coverage requires an adequate supply of motivated and supported public sector health workers with appropriate training and skills, working in a functional health system. Given the dearth of doctors in South Africa, professional nurses were tasked with performing the bulk of Pap smears at primary care level. Coverage remains sub-optimal and a significant proportion of women with precursor lesions do not receive treatment. Further, health system strengthening - essential for cytology-based screening - has not happened. Research to evaluate alternative screening technologies has proliferated in recent years, but regrettably, strengthening of the health system required to make the new technology work has not received similar attention. Using the South African experience, this article argues that technological interventions and innovations alone are not sufficient to improve cervical screening programmes. Task-shifting is limited unless other human resource concerns (e.g. training, increasing demands on personnel, attrition, and skills mix) are concurrently addressed within a comprehensive workforce development strategy, alongside work to make the health care delivery system functional.

Seating and pressure support needs of people with cancer in the cervix or rectum: a case series on the clinical usefulness of pressure mapping assessment.

Pressure sores present a challenge to people with rectal and cervical cancers due to weight loss, compromised nutrition, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Affected individuals often experience intense pain on sitting, and prefer to spend the majority of their time lying down. This pilot study, employing a case study design, investigated the pressure care needs of such persons using pressure mapping, a technology designed to measure pressures at the seating interface. Four participants were mapped on a selection of five cushions, three of which were developed to specifically reduce midline posterior pressure/pain relief. Participants rated the cushions for comfort. Findings demonstrated an inconsistent relationship between interface pressures and perceived cushion comfort, suggesting that patient-rated comfort is a poor indicator of high interface pressures. The specialized cushions did not always meet the needs of this target population and no one cushion suited all. This study demonstrated the precarious clinical balance needed between comfort and achieving optimal pressure reduction in cushion prescription for this client group, and suggested that comfort was more important than pressure reduction in terms of their seating needs.

Addressing the sexual health needs of patients with gynecologic cancers.

Research indicates that sexual health and function frequently are overlooked by healthcare professionals despite being identified as an essential aspect of patient care. This article discusses the topic of sexuality as it pertains to women with gynecologic cancers, highlights barriers to addressing sexuality with patients with cancer, and provides nurses with a framework to guide them in providing information and support to patients who are experiencing sexual difficulties or who need information about sexual function. A case study addresses the challenges a woman with cervical cancer faces and the role of the nurse in supporting the patient and her partner within the PLISSIT model.

"Inside and outside": Sikh women's perspectives on cervical cancer screening.

Cervical cancer can be detected at an early stage through regular screening. The literature suggests that cervical cancer in immigrant women, a growing population in Canada, is less likely to be detected early than it is in the general population, as immigrant women tend not to take advantage of screening. Culturally appropriate screening services for immigrant women are few. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with female members of an urban Sikh community in Canada to explore perspectives on cervical cancer screening. In-depth interviews (13) and focus groups (3) were carried out to uncover challenges to cervical cancer screening. The researchers identified a prevailing theme of "inside/outside" whereby the women felt confined to their community, finding it difficult to move "outside" into Canadian society in order to participate in screening. Lack of knowledge about the importance of prevention, influence of family and community, and health-provider issues affected the women's access to screening. The results will be helpful for nurses planning and delivering screening services to Sikh women.

[An experience nursing an uncertain patient with recurrent cervical cancer].

This article describes an experience nursing a patient with recurrent cervical cancer. As a result of urinary leakage after radical surgery, the patient underwent a second anterior exenteration and ileo-conduit operation while experiencing emotional uncertainty. The nursing care involved a combination of direct care, home visits, telephone and OPD follow-up. Data collection and analysis followed via observation, conversation and the recording of behavioral processes. Nursing measures were taken to address the sense of threat induced by uncertainty and anticipatory grieving. We found the same sense of uncertainty that research has found to affect breast cancer patients, and found that it is similarly significantly higher pre-operation than post-operation. Besides providing information and supportive encouragement, nursing staff should evaluate the degree of uncertainty and the sources of support available to the patient, as well as improving nursing guidance for self-care. The support of family members, especially the spouse, is a form of positive feedback which may significantly reduce the degree of uncertainty.