The Relationship Between Attitudes Toward Death, Rumination, and Psychological Resilience of Oncology Nurses.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to examine the relationship between attitudes toward death, rumination, and psychological resilience of oncology nurses. METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional. Data were collected from 118 oncology nurses using the Demographic Data Form, Work-Related Rumination Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale Short Form, and Death Attitude Profile-Revised Scale. For data analysis, correlation and regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The study findings showed that oncology nurses` work related rumination score was moderate, while psychological resilience score was severely high. More than two-thirds of the work-related ruminations of oncology nurses were explained by psychological resilience and attitudes toward death. Even though there is a negative correlation between negative attitudes toward death and psychological resilience, the acceptance of death scores showed positive relations with psychological resilience. CONCLUSION: Nurses with positive attitudes toward death can also develop psychological resilience and experience fewer work-related ruminations. This result reveals the necessity of determining oncology nurses' attitudes toward death in order to protect their psychological resilience and reduce work-related ruminations. It is also evident that the results are valuable in presenting how nurses' work-related ruminations relate to psychological resilience and attitudes toward death. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses are the main care providers in oncology settings, and they are witnessing the suffering process of their patients and experiencing the loss of their patients. These challenges bring work-related ruminations that lower the psychological resilience of nurses and affect attitudes toward death. Therefore, nurses can build an awareness of their ruminations and develop coping skills with intrusive ruminations.

Oncology Nursing for the Future: Multisector Planning Is Needed.

Assessing the landscape for oncology nursing of the future, the biggest problem that faces the specialty is that of workforce shortages. On the practice side, nursing turnover, resignations, and early retirements have contrib.

Spiritual Needs and Influencing Factors of Postoperative Breast Cancer Women Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the status of spiritual needs and influencing factors of postoperative breast cancer (BC) women undergoing chemotherapy. Participants and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study. A total of 173 participants completed a general information questionnaire and a Chinese version of the Spiritual Needs Scale at the Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital. Data were collected by purposive sampling from December 2022 to April 2023. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, non-parametric test, and logistic regression analysis. Results: The spiritual needs of postoperative BC women undergoing chemotherapy were at a high level (84.20 ± 12.86). The need for "hope and peace" was considered paramount and the need for a "relationship with transcendence" was considered the least important. Significant differences were found in the following: spiritual needs total score (P=0.040) and "hope and peace" (P=0.021) in education level; "love and connection" in disease stage (P=0.021); "meaning and purpose" in education level (P=0.013), household income (P=0.012), and payment method (P=0.015); "relationship with transcendence" in religion (P<0.001); and "acceptance of dying" in marital status (P=0.023). The level of education was the influencing factor of spiritual needs (OR=1.50, P=0.005), especially for "hope and peace" (OR=1.50, P=0.012). Conclusion: The spiritual need of postoperative BC Chinese women undergoing chemotherapy is at a high level and should receive more attention. In clinical work, nurses should fully assess the spiritual needs of patients and meet their specific needs. Results may help nurses to develop targeted and comprehensive spiritual intervention strategies according to the characteristics of patients.

An Innovation in Cancer Nursing Education Across Europe: A Pilot Evaluation.

The European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) is a pan-European not for profit society involving approximately 28,000 cancer nurses from 32 countries in the region. The European College of Cancer Nursing (ECCN) exists under the umbrella of EONS and was established in 2020 with a strategic priority to develop, promote and deliver educational opportunities for nurses across Europe. ECCN introduced a pilot on-line education programme for 20 nurses in January 2023. This study evaluated participating nurses' views and experience of learning on the pilot programme. The study adopted a mixed method approach guided by the four levels of the Kirkpatrick theoretical framework. A dominant focus on qualitative data was used with supplementary quantitative data. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) was followed. Eleven nurses completed the pre-pilot online questionnaire (response rate 65%) and seven (n = 7) completed the post-pilot questionnaire (41% response rate). Five (n = 5) nurses participated in two focus group interviews. Data analysis resulted in the development of four overarching themes: A wider world of cancer nursing; Shapeless mentorship; Impact on Practice; Learning online and what now? On commencement of online education programmes, nurses value a structured timetable and support from nursing management to maximise engagement with the learning materials.

CLINICAL PROTOCOLS ADOPTED BY NURSES IN THE EXTRAVASATION OF ANTINEOPLASTIC DRUGS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW / PROTOCOLOS CLÍNICOS ADOPTADOS POR ENFERMERÍA EN LA EXTRAVASACIÓN DE FÁRMACOS ANTINEOPLÁSICOS: UNA REVISIÓN INTEGRADORA / PROTOCOLOS CLÍNICOS ADOTADOS PELOS ENFERMEIROS NO EXTRAVASAMENTO DE ANTINEOPLÁSICOS: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

Objective: To identify the patient safety measures and clinical protocols adopted by nurses in the case of antineoplastic extravasation. Methodology: The research approach was based on an integrative literature review that used the PICo strategy to structure the research question. Bibliographic surveys were carried out using the MEDLINE, Lilacs, BDENF, SciELO and PubMed databases using the following terms according to DeCS: "Clinical Protocols", " Extravasation of Therapeutic and Diagnostic Materials", "Oncology Nursing", "Patient Safety", "Antineoplastics". After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 25 articles were selected, read in full, classified and organized according to the theme, and critically analyzed. Results: From the analysis of the studies, it was possible to delimit the main actions and knowledge of nurses in the management and guarantee of patient safety in the face of antineoplastic extravasation, as well as promising new managements in the prevention and treatment of this aggravation. Conclusion: Nurses' knowledge of specific measures for antineoplastic drug leakage is incipient, and there is a clear need for research to minimize the gaps in innovative knowledge in nursing practice with the aim of preventing extravasation.

Objetivo: Identificar las medidas de seguridad del paciente y los protocolos clínicos adoptados por el personal de enfermería en el caso de extravasación de antineoplásicos. Metodología: El abordaje de la investigación se basó en una revisión bibliográfica integradora que utilizó la estrategia PICo para estructurar la pregunta de investigación. Las pesquisas bibliográficas fueron realizadas en las bases de datos MEDLINE, Lilacs, BDENF, SciELO y PubMed, utilizando los siguientes términos de acuerdo con el DeCS: "Protocolos clínicos", " Extravasación de material terapéutico y de diagnóstico", "Enfermería oncológica", "Seguridad del paciente", "Antineoplásicos". Tras aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se seleccionaron 25 artículos, que fueron leídos en su totalidad, clasificados y organizados según el tema, y analizados críticamente. Resultados: A partir del análisis de los estudios, fue posible delinear las principales acciones y conocimientos de las enfermeras en el manejo y garantía de la seguridad del paciente ante la extravasación de antineoplásicos, así como nuevos manejos promisorios en la prevención y tratamiento de este agravamiento. Conclusión: El conocimiento de las enfermeras sobre las medidas específicas para la fuga de fármacos antineoplásicos es incipiente, existiendo una clara necesidad de investigación para minimizar las lagunas de conocimiento innovador en la práctica enfermera con el objetivo de prevenir la extravasación.

Objetivo: Identificar quais são as medidas de segurança do paciente e protocolos clínicos adotados pelos enfermeiros no extravasamento de antineoplásicos. Metodologia: A abordagem da pesquisa se deu a partir de uma revisão integrativa da literatura que se utilizou da estratégia PICo para estruturar a questão de pesquisa. Foram realizados levantamentos bibliográficos utilizando as bases de dados MEDLINE, Lilacs, BDENF, SciELO e PubMed utilizando os termos segundo o DeCS: "Protocolos Clínicos", "Extravasamento de Materiais Terapêuticos e Diagnósticos", "Enfermagem Oncológica", "Segurança do paciente", "Antineoplásicos". Após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, foram selecionados 25 artigos lidos na íntegra, classificados e organizados conforme a temática, e analisados criticamente. Resultados: A partir da análise dos estudos, foi possível delimitar as principais ações e conhecimentos dos enfermeiros no manejo e garantia da segurança do paciente diante do extravasamento de antineoplásicos, assim como novos manejos promissores na prevenção e tratamento deste agravo. Conclusão: Incipiente é o conhecimento dos enfermeiros sobre as medidas específicas diante do extravasamento de antineoplásicos, com evidente necessidade de pesquisas que minimizem as lacunas no conhecimento inovador na prática da enfermagem com desígnio de prevenir  o extravasamento.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of chemotherapy management among nurses at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Objective: Cancer is a leading global health challenge with increasing morbidity and mortality. In Nigeria, cancer leads to over 100,000 new cases and 70,000 deaths annually. In resource-constrained countries such as Nigeria, registered nurses (RNs) that provide oncology care lack specialty education in oncology nursing care. Nigerian nurses are the largest portion of the healthcare workforce and can play a key role in improving oncology care. This study aimed to assess RNs' knowledge, willingness, and ability to perform tasks related to chemotherapy administration and symptom management, assess current practices, identify available resources, and identify gaps in RNs' knowledge of oncology care. Methods: A descriptive, correlational, Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved study was conducted using a modified Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice questionnaire and a questionnaire adapted from the Organizational Readiness to Change Assessment. The principle investigator (PI) adopted the role as an observer to witness an accurate picture of nursing practice at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) and identify gaps in education and knowledge around oncology nursing care. A Research Electronic Data Capture database was developed using paper-formatted questionnaires that were exported to Excel for statistical analysis. Results: This study supports findings from literature highlighting that nurses working in oncology units lack specialized oncology training, which leads to gaps in knowledge and practice. Questionnaire responses and clinical observations at OAUTH support RNs' willingness to learn skills related to oncology nursing care. Nurses are self-aware that they have more to learn about how to prepare and administer chemotherapy, and 90% of nurses reported that an ongoing chemotherapy training program would be helpful at OAUTH. Conclusions: By identifying gaps in education and knowledge about oncology care and by identifying available resources, an oncology training program could be developed for nurses working in oncology units at OAUTH and other Nigerian hospitals, leading to improved oncology patient care and outcomes.

Translating Inquiry Into Clinical Practice: Opportunities and Barriers for Oncology Nursing.

As our scientists, researchers, and evidence-based practitioners continue to conduct multiple forms of inquiry including research, evidence-based practice (EBP), and quality improvement studies, the corpus of literature is in.

Cross-Cultural Validation of the Portuguese Version of the Quality of Oncology Nursing Care Scale.

BACKGROUND: Quality assessment in oncology nursing care has been a growing topic in the literature, gaining relevance as oncological nursing care becomes more complex as the science progresses. However, there are no instruments that assess the perception of the quality of oncology nursing care from the point of view of patients for the Portuguese population. Thus, the cross-cultural translation and validation of the Quality of Oncology Nursing Care Scale (QONCS) was performed for the Portuguese context. This instrument allows nurses to assess patients' self-perception of the quality of nursing care provided in an oncological setting. It also allows researchers to compare the results obtained internationally with the application of this scale. METHODS: This is a methodological study, with two distinct phases: the first corresponded to the translation and cultural adaptation of the scale to the Portuguese context, and the second consisted of the psychometric validation of the QONCS, which included factor analysis and the evaluation of the psychometric properties of the instrument. We obtained responses from 402 patients from a Portuguese oncology hospital. RESULTS: The Portuguese version of the Quality of Oncology Nursing Care Scale (QONCS_PT) consists of 34 items inserted into a tetra-factorial model, which explains a total variance of the instrument of 69.8%. A Cronbach's alpha of 0.93 was obtained for the complete instrument. CONCLUSIONS: QONCS_PT has a competent and reliable structure. The scale's validity was assured and can be used in the Portuguese population, as it is useful for direct care provision but also for researchers and managers.

Nursing students' self-assessed level of nursing skills at the time of graduation in a Japanese University: A retrospective observational study.

Objective: This study aimed to clarify nursing students' self-assessed levels of nursing skills at a nursing university at graduation and discuss how education and clinical experiences for students and post-licensure nurses should be improved, especially focusing on oncology nursing. Methods: The study population comprised fourth-year students from 2017 to 2019 at the Faculty of Health Science and Nursing, Juntendo University, who had completed all stipulated clinical placements. The Japanese government determined 141 nursing skills and their target levels. Students subjectively evaluated their achieved levels for the 141 nursing skills after the final clinical placement. Results: Of the 141 nursing skills, 81 (57%) were rated as "skills with easy-to-achieve targets" and five were rated as "skills with difficult-to-achieve targets." All nursing skills in the two subcategories of environmental adjustment skills and comfort management skills were rated as "skills with easy-to-achieve targets." Nursing skills with low target achievement rates were for patients with oral intake difficulties, unstable respiratory status, and those requiring glycemic control. These skills are also important in oncology nursing. Conclusions: It cannot be concluded that the nursing university students fully achieved the target levels of nursing skills, as determined by the Japanese government. These findings may facilitate discussions on teaching nursing skills and their target levels at the time of graduation from nursing universities or post-employment.

Advancements in hospice and palliative care in China: A five-year review.

In response to the challenges posed by an aging population, an increasing cancer incidence, and the growing demand for hospice care services, China has actively promoted the development of hospice and palliative care, achieving significant progress in the past five years. This article provides a retrospective analysis of the efforts and accomplishments in the field of hospice and palliative care in China, focusing on government policy support, quality standards and regulations, drug management, health provider training, and public education. Additionally, the study explores the current issues and challenges in the field.

Nursing staff adherence to guidelines on nutritional management for critically ill patients with cancer: A service evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients with cancer are at high risk of developing malnutrition, negatively affecting their outcome. AIM: To critically analyse nursing staff's adherence to nutrition management guidelines for critically unwell patients with cancer and identify barriers which prevent this. Two areas of nutrition management were evaluated: early initiation (<48 h from admission) of enteral nutrition (EN) and continuation of EN without interruption. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective data analysis was performed on mechanically ventilated adult patients admitted to a single cancer centre. Data from electronic patient records (EPR) were collected. Health care professionals' (HCP) documentation was analysed, and a nursing staff focus group (n = 5) was undertaken. RESULTS: Sixty-four patient records were included. Early EN was not administered in 67% (n = 43) of cases. The reasons for the three longest interruptions to EN feed were as follows: delays in EN tube insertion, gastric residual volumes (GRVs) less than the recommended feed discontinuation threshold and endotracheal intubation. Four main themes relating to barriers to practice were identified from the focus group data analysis: HCPs' approach towards nutrition management, the patient's physiological condition and stability, multi-disciplinary team (MDT) communication and guidance on nutrition management, and practical issues with patient care. CONCLUSIONS: Multi-disciplinary communication difficulties, lack of clear guidelines and inadequate awareness of the importance of nutrition for critically ill patients with cancer were barriers identified preventing optimal nutrition management. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nursing education is fundamental to help break down the barriers to practice which prevent critically ill patients from receiving optimal nutrition management.

Faith and Science: Sacred Decision-Making in Cancer Care.

Many people view health, wellness, and illness through a lens of religion and spirituality (R&S), modern science, and culture. Faith and science are not dichotomous in health care; they are complementary and even intercon.

Implementation of Nurse-Led Nutritional Screening in a Community Oncology Setting.

Patients receiving oncology care are at risk for malnutrition, which is associated with decreased cancer treatment tolerance, lower quality of life, and increased mortality. Implementation of frequent nutritional screening is.

Problem-solving processes for central venous catheter occlusion within pediatric cancer care: A qualitative study.

PURPOSE: Central venous access devices play a crucial role in healthcare settings. However, there is concern regarding the high incidence of blockages occurring before the completion of treatments and existing guidelines for occlusion management are not consistently followed. To explore the decision-making and problem-solving process of occlusion management and identify enablers and barriers to implementing evidence for occlusion management in pediatric cancer care. METHODS: A qualitative design with individual semi-structured interviews. Participants were selected by purposeful sampling from a tertiary-referral pediatric facility, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 13 clinicians and 5 parents were interviewed. The thematic analysis revealed four main decision-making/problem-solving themes: 1) clinical reasoning and judgement for central venous access devices occlusion, 2) capability in central venous access devices occlusion management, 3) colleague collaboration in the escalation process and 4) lack of adequate support to manage the occlusion. This study identified positive and negative influences on the problem-solving process, including clinicians' psychological capabilities, social and physical resources, and beliefs about consequences. CONCLUSION: This study found that clinicians in pediatric cancer care were able to manage central venous access device occlusions using clinical reasoning and judgment skills, which may conflict with evidence-based practices. The study confirmed the importance of a team approach and prior experience in managing central venous access devices in pediatric oncology settings and identified potential conflicts between clinician decisions based on the patient's current and anticipated conditions and implementation of evidence-based practice. Improving documentation and providing visual aids could benefit clinicians' problem-solving processes.

Explaining the Nurses' Spiritual Needs in the Oncology Department: A Qualitative Study.

Background: It seems that improving the spiritual dimension of cancer patients can play an effective role in their mental and emotional peace. Meanwhile, oncology ward nurses are one of the most important healthcare providers that can help improve patients' relationship with God due to their more interaction and communication with patients. For this reason, this study aimed at explaining nurses' spiritual needs in an oncology ward. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted based on the qualitative content analysis method. The participants included 11 nurses from the oncology ward of Seyed Al Shahada Hospital in Isfahan from 2021 to 2022. A semi-structured interview was administered to determine nurses' spiritual needs. Results: Analysis of 11 interviews conducted with nurses revealed a total of four main codes, 13 sub-codes, and four sub-sub-codes. According to nurses' point of view, their spiritual needs can be classified into four dimensions as follows: communication with God, communication with oneself (intrapersonal communication), communication with others (interpersonal communication), and communication with environment. Administered interviews revealed the role of communication with God with six sub-codes as nurses' most important point of attention. Conclusions: According to nurses' point of view, nurses' spiritual needs were divided into the dimensions of communication with God, communication with oneself, communication with others, and communication with environment. Therefore, it is necessary to simultaneously pay attention to oncology nurses' personal and social aspects to increase their spirituality.

For the (Rigorous) Love of Oncology Nursing.

Although the nursing profession has seen significant changes, the core of nursing has never changed. It has always been and will always be about serving all people with holistic care in whatever ways they need at the time.

From existential uncertainty to a new mindset promoting recovery: Exploring the development of uncertainty experience in women with vulvar neoplasia - A qualitative longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Women with vulvar neoplasia continue to experience uncertainty up to six months post-surgery. Uncertainty in illness is considered a significant psychosocial stressor, that negatively influences symptom distress, self-management strategies and quality of life. According to the Reconceptualized Uncertainty in Illness Theory, the appraisal of uncertainty changes positively over time in chronic illness. We aimed at exploring whether and how the experience of uncertainty develops in women with vulvar neoplasia. METHODS: We selected a purposive sample of seven women diagnosed with vulvar neoplasia in four Swiss and one Austrian women's clinic. By means of a qualitative longitudinal study, we conducted 30 individual interviews at five points of time during one year after diagnosis. We applied Saldaña's analytical questions for longitudinal qualitative research. RESULTS: First, participants experienced uncertainty as an existential threat, then an inherent part of their illness, and finally a certainty. Women initially associated the existential threat with a high risk for suffering from severe health deteriorations. Participants that could reduce their individually assessed risk by adopting health promoting behaviors, accepted the remaining uncertainty. From now on they reframed uncertainty into a certainty. This new mindset was based on a belief of promoting recovery and reducing the risk of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The long-lasting and oscillating nature of uncertainty should receive attention in supportive oncology care. Uncertainty concerning existential issues is of special importance since it can inhibit a positive development of uncertainty experience.

The Impact of COVID-19 Visitor Restrictions on Clinical Cancer Nurses.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the impact of visitor restrictions on clinical cancer nurses, their roles and duties, and the coping strategies used to address the impact. DATA SOURCES: Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted through purposive sampling with nurses working in a clinical role within cancer services at the study site for at least 1 year. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Textual data transcribed from interviews were analyzed for themes using NVivo version 12 software, following Braun and Clarke's six phases of thematic analysis. CONCLUSION: Visitor restrictions implemented due to COVID-19 had a significant impact on clinical cancer nurses. The study found evidence of moral injury and conflict-within the role of the nurse, the implementation of organizational policies, and nurses' professional identity and personal beliefs. Despite this adversity, nurses remained committed to their clinical practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Changes to nurses' roles and the practice environment have potentially significant impact on well-being and retention. To ensure that nurses can continue to provide high-quality nursing care in challenging environments, organizations must minimize this impact. Consistent communication and support activities, including recognizing and responding appropriately to situations, may be used in the reduction of potential moral injury and stress.

Oncology nursing research: a global perspective.

The specialty of oncology nursing began around the 1970s when oncology as a science became a significant practice in the clinical areas. As the practice of oncology grew in health care settings, physicians focused on providing care for individuals diagnosed with cancer with treatments like surgery, radiation, and novel chemotherapy agents. Physicians treated the physical disease, while oncology nurses cared for, and became specialised in, the assessment and management of side effects and symptoms, and supporting patients and families in coping with the impacts from the disease and treatments. Thus, the oncology nursing speciality focus is on physical, psychosocial, and practical management of patients' care; education of patients and families; and co-ordination of the complex care provided. This article focuses on how the science, or the evidence base, of oncology nursing has grown globally since those early years. The aim of this paper is to illustrate the growth and development in the body of evidence underpinning the oncology nursing specialty by highlighting scientific studies, publications, and evidence-based practice. Over the years, there has been a steady growth in the research evidence supporting the specialty, yet future challenges are ahead. These challenges include demonstrating impact of nursing interventions; infrastructure support; resources for capacity building; building research-mindedness; and strengthening equality, diversity, and inclusion.