"How to start that conversation?": Experiences of developing a virtual simulation about sexual health care for breast cancer survivors.

Virtual simulation (VS) is an innovative and engaging knowledge translation strategy that can improve healthcare providers' knowledge and skills. However, there is no known literature published related to the use of simulation to improve cancer survivorship care. In this paper, we describe our experience of developing a VS to educate primary healthcare professionals about sexual health disturbances among breast cancer survivors. Based on literature in other contexts, this VS may help increase health professionals' knowledge and skills needed to assist breast cancer survivors with sexual health concerns. Our VS development experience can be used to encourage and guide other researchers planning to develop similar interventions in the future.

Exploring the effect of neurofeedback on postcancer cognitive impairment and fatigue: A pilot feasibility study.

Purpose: Postcancer cognitive impairment (PCCI) and fatigue are adverse effects that often persist following cancer treatment, and impact quality of life. The study purpose was to evaluate feasibility and effect of neurofeedback on cognitive functioning and fatigue in cancer survivors. Specifically, we aimed to test feasibility of recruitment strategies and our study protocol including outcome measures. Design: This pilot feasibility study used a 10-week wait-list design. Participants served as their own controls and received neurofeedback training twice a week for 10 weeks. Participants: The sample consisted of breast cancer survivors from Kingston, Ontario (n = 16). Methods: Outcomes were assessed using validated, self-report scales and neuropsychological tests before, during, and after neurofeedback. Findings: The neurofeedback protocol was feasible and resulted in significant decreases in perceived cognitive deficits, fatigue, sleep, and psychological symptoms. Implications for psychosocial providers: Neurofeedback may be an effective, non-invasive complementary therapy for PCCI in breast cancer survivors.

The needs of gynecological cancer survivors at the end of primary treatment: A scoping review and proposed model to guide clinical discussions.

OBJECTIVE: Gynecological cancer (GC) survivors have unmet needs when they complete primary cancer treatment. Despite this, no known research has summarized these needs and survivors' suggestions to address them. We conducted a scoping review to fill these gaps and develop a model useful to guide clinical discussions and/or interventions. METHODS: English, full length, and accessible primary studies describing the needs of GC survivors were included. No restrictions on date nor country of publication were applied. Two reviewers screened and extracted data, which was verified by a third reviewer. RESULTS: Seventy-one studies met the inclusion criteria for data extraction. Results were thematically grouped into seven dimensions: physical needs, sexuality-related concerns, altered self-image, psychological wellbeing, social support needs, supporting the return to work, and healthcare challenges and preferences. After consulting with a stakeholder group (a GC survivor, clinicians, and researchers), the dimensions were summarized into a proposed model to guide clinical assessments and/or interventions. CONCLUSION: Results illuminate the diverse needs of GC survivors as they complete primary cancer treatment and their recommendations for care to meet these needs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The resulting model can be used to guide assessments, discussions and/or interventions to optimally prepare GC survivors for transition out of primary cancer treatment.

Acceptability and Feasibility of Early Palliative Care Among Women with Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acceptability of early palliative care (EPC) among patients with advanced ovarian cancer and to determine the feasibility of larger-scale phase III trials. METHODS: We performed a randomized controlled pilot study of adult women (>18 years) with pathologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer that had recurred or progressed on first-line therapy and had no immediate need for palliative care. We randomly assigned patients to either EPC or standard oncologic care (SOC), and collected patient-reported outcomes (PRO) at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months; end-of-life care quality indicators were collected at study completion. Study endpoints were rates of enrollment, EPC adherence, and PRO completion. RESULTS: Of 32 eligible patients approached, 23 enrolled (72%; 95% CI 53-86) and were randomly assigned to either EPC (n = 12) or SOC (n = 11). At baseline, participants had poor physical and emotional wellbeing, high rates of depression (65%), and understood that their disease was not curable (87%). Eleven patients (92%; 95% CI 62-100) attended their EPC consultation, and all visits took place within 4 weeks of enrollment. However, PRO completion was low due to deaths by 3 (5/23) and 6 months (9/23). CONCLUSION: Patients had accurate perceptions of their disease status, were willing to be randomly assigned to EPC, and attended scheduled appointments. However, a definitive trial in this group is not feasible without major adjustments to eligibility criteria and a multicentre, international effort. We propose that EPC be considered routinely at progression or recurrence given patients' symptom burden and clear acceptance of the intervention, as well as evidence of benefit from adequately powered trials in other malignancies.

Innovation pratique : infirmières en pratique avancée et soins du cancer.

OBJECTIFS: La présente étude avait pour but de recueillir, en consultation avec les infirmières en pratique avancée (IPA), des données probantes sur les pratiques émergentes afin de combler les lacunes à cet égard dans les lignes directrices sur le recours judicieux aux infirmières en pratique avancée dans la prestation des services aux adultes atteints de cancer en Ontario (Effective Use of Advanced Practice Nurses in the Delivery of Adult Cancer Services in Ontario), ainsi que de proposer un ensemble de recommandations, formulées par un groupe d'experts, pour créer un programme de recherche qui permettra de recueillir et de publier des données probantes de niveau 1 et de niveau 2. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Une enquête Delphi modifiée à trois tours faisant appel à la méthodologie mise au point par RAND et UCLA (aussi appelée ≪ Appropriateness Methodology ≫) a été utilisée pour solliciter l'avis des spécialistes sur le recours aux IPA pour le soin des adultes atteints de cancer en Ontario. RÉSULTATS: Trente-quatre (34) cas de recours aux IPA ont été recensés. L'enquête Delphi modifiée a permis de définir 30 énoncés de rôle à partir desquels ont été formulées neuf (9) recommandations supplémentaires sur l'intervention des IPA dans la prestation des soins aux adultes atteints de cancer. CONCLUSION: Les recommandations de la présente étude orienteront les recherches à venir pour combler les lacunes au chapitre des données probantes quant au rôle des IPA dans la prestation des soins du cancer au Canada.

Practical innovation: Advanced practice nurses in cancer care.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to gather emerging practice evidence, through consultation with Advance Practice Nurses (APN), to fill the evidence gaps in the published guidelines, Effective Use of Advanced Practice Nurses in the Delivery of Adult Cancer Services in Ontario, and to provide a set of expert panel recommendations to build a research agenda to promote the collection and publication of Level 1 and 2 evidence. METHOD: A three-step RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Methodology (RAM) modified Delphi process was used to solicit expert opinion on the use of APNs in adult cancer care in Ontario. RESULTS: Thirty-four (34) case examples of APN use were gathered. The modified Delphi process concluded with the endorsement of 30 APN role statements that were used to develop nine (9) additional recommendations regarding the use of APNs in the delivery of adult cancer care. CONCLUSION: The recommendations from this study provide direction for future research to close the current evidence gap regarding the role of APNs in cancer care delivery in Canada.

Coping with fear of cancer recurrence among ovarian cancer survivors living in small urban and rural settings: A qualitative descriptive study.

PURPOSE: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a paramount concern among ovarian cancer survivors. Evidence shows that cancer survivors living in regional or rural areas have higher psychological morbidity; however, no known studies have explored how ovarian cancer survivors living in small urban and rural areas cope with FCR. METHODS: In this qualitative descriptive study, a semi-structured questioning process was developed in accordance with Carver et al.'s conceptualization of coping. Focus groups or 1:1 telephone interviews were used to collect data from a convenience sample of ovarian cancer survivors. Participants completed a demographic form and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory, and clinical information was extracted from hospital charts. RESULTS: The average age of participants (n = 15) was 62.8 years (Range 51-76 years) and the average time since diagnosis was 2.7 years (Range 1-19 years). Most women had elevated levels of FCR. Five themes for coping were expressed by all women: 1) health care provider support; 2) knowing, trusting, and prioritizing self; 3) finding what works; 4) uniqueness and belonging; and 5) redirecting thoughts and actions. One additional theme was expressed by most women (n = 11): 6) preparing for the future. CONCLUSION: Fear of cancer recurrence was a concern for most ovarian cancer survivors who used a variety of ways to cope. Results can be used to guide nurses' discussions with post-treatment ovarian cancer survivors or be used to inform refinement and development of resources to assist ovarian cancer survivors living in small urban and rural settings to cope with FCR.