Integrating population health into nursing education: The process of gaining commitment from Washington's nursing deans and directors.

The achievement of health equity requires the expansion of nursing roles to include assessing burdens of disease, practicing cultural humility, implementing prevention strategies, and developing partnerships. In 2017, deans and directors of schools and programs of nursing in Washington State came together to commit to the integration of population health concepts and social determinants of health into all areas of nursing curricula. Through online communications and in-person meetings, facilitated in part by the authors of this paper, and with subcommittee representation from several baccalaureate nursing programs, Washington State academic nursing leaders identified new strategies to increase faculty awareness of population health and how to inspire related curricular changes to their programs. This Washington-wide initiative resulted in a white paper that was formally endorsed by 38 deans and directors representing all 14 baccalaureate and higher degree nursing programs in the state.

Gastrointestinal Cancers: Screening and Early Detection.

OBJECTIVE: To present an overview of current practices in the screening and early detection of gastrointestinal cancers. DATA SOURCES: Literature reviews. CONCLUSION: Screening for gastrointestinal cancers is less than desirable, particularly in underserved populations. There are inadequate methods of screening for early detection of esophageal and gastric cancers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Education of patients is needed to reinforce the importance of screening for gastrointestinal cancers.

A transdisciplinary approach to faculty development in nursing education technology.

The purpose of this article is to describe the creation of a transdisciplinary group, consisting of nurse educators, a medical librarian, lab technologists, and a technology expert. to lead the integration of electronic health technology, including high-fidelity simulation, handheld technology, and electronic health records, within a school of nursing. The use of innovative educational tools by nursing faculty can be daunting because of the steep learning curve. The model described here is effective in developing faculty to use simulation and other technologies as teaching-learning strategies.

War on cancer: victory or defeat?

In 1971, President Nixon launched the "War on Cancer." Oncology professionals proclaim the War has been won. But gaps in cancer care-poor colonoscopy screening rates and technique, prostate cancer surgeries by inexperienced physicians, patients unable to obtain medications, and health care access disparities-make it difficult to support the contention of victory. Research is needed in many areas: the role of environmental exposures in development of cancer, evidence-based cancer prevention strategies, and modifiable risk factors. Policy is needed to address disparities in care. The War on Cancer has not been won: advances have been made, but there is work to be done.

Symptom management of advanced colorectal cancer.

Care of the patient with colorectal cancer incorporates treatment, management of symptoms from disease and treatment, and open communication with the patient from diagnosis to cure or death. Such comprehensive care requires a multidisciplinary team, and incorporation of the preferences of the patient.