RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To discuss the roles of advance practice nurses in radiation oncology. DATA SOURCES: Published articles and textbooks, personal communications, and authors' experience. CONCLUSION: Radiation oncology advance practice nurses (NP and CNS) are becoming essential members of the multidisciplinary team, with distinct roles and responsibilities. Providing direct patient care, involvement in specialized procedures, and conducting initial and/or follow-up visits allows advance practitioners to become more involved with patients undergoing radiation therapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: As more combined modalities are being offered to patients undergoing oncology treatments and the complexity of patients are becoming more difficult, advance practice nurses can add value to the workload, quality patient care, and make a difference in patient's lives.
Assuntos
Enfermeiros Clínicos/organização & administração , Profissionais de Enfermagem/organização & administração , Papel do Profissional de Enfermagem , Enfermagem Oncológica/organização & administração , Radioterapia (Especialidade)/organização & administração , Plantão Médico/organização & administração , Assistência ao Convalescente/organização & administração , Braquiterapia/enfermagem , Certificação , Comportamento Cooperativo , Educação de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem , Humanos , Relações Interprofissionais , Neoplasias/enfermagem , Neoplasias/radioterapia , Enfermeiros Clínicos/educação , Enfermeiros Clínicos/psicologia , Profissionais de Enfermagem/educação , Profissionais de Enfermagem/psicologia , Papel do Profissional de Enfermagem/psicologia , Avaliação em Enfermagem , Pesquisa em Avaliação de Enfermagem , Enfermagem Oncológica/educação , Equipe de Assistência ao Paciente/organização & administração , Educação de Pacientes como Assunto , Autonomia Profissional , Radioterapia (Especialidade)/educação , Radioterapia/enfermagemRESUMO
Guided imagery is an established intervention in integrative oncology. This study was initiated to evaluate the impact of guided imagery on patients undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. Eligible patients receiving guided imagery sessions were monitored via biofeedback before and after each session. Monitored measures included blood pressure, respiration rate, pulse rate, and skin temperature. In addition, the EuroQoL Group's EQ-5D questionnaire was used for subjective assessment and patient feedback was collected at the end of radiation therapy through a satisfaction survey. Measured parameters revealed statistically significant improvement from baseline, with decreases noted in respiration rate and pulse rate as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Skin temperature increased, indicating more peripheral capillary flow secondary to a decrease in the sympathetic response. Overall, 86% of participants described the guided imagery sessions as helpful, and 100% said they would recommend the intervention to others. The results of this study illustrate the positive impact of guided imagery as measured through subjective and objective parameters. Improving the overall care for patients with breast cancer supports the value of incorporating practices of integrative oncology into standard practice.