Pre-Appointment Nurse Navigation: Patient-Centered Findings From a Survey of Patients With Breast Cancer

The Effect of Oncology Nurse Navigation on Mental Health in Patients with Cancer in Taiwan: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

In this study, we investigated the prevalence of mental health problems among patients with cancer and whether oncology nurse navigation improved their mental health outcomes and medical experience. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, we recruited 128 outpatients with cancer via purposive sampling from a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan. Participants were randomly assigned to the navigation group (N = 61) or the usual care group (N = 67). Data were collected from January 2019 to July 2020 using questionnaires, including the self-reported Distress Thermometer, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Demoralization Scale, and Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care. Data were collected at baseline and after three and six months of the intervention. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were performed. The prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, distress, and demoralization were 17.9%, 15.7%, 29.7%, and 29.7%, respectively. After three months, the participants in the navigation group exhibited significantly reduced levels of anxiety, demoralization, and emotional distress (reduced by 92%, 75%, and 58%, respectively) and reported a better medical experience (odds ratio = 1.40) than those in the usual care group.

Advanced Practice Nursing Titles and Roles in Cancer Care: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVES

Advanced practice nursing roles in cancer care are diverse and exist across the cancer care continuum. However, the titles used and the scope of practice differ across countries. This diversity is likely to be misleading to patients and influence nurses' contribution to health care. An understanding of the current state of advanced practice nursing roles in cancer care internationally is needed to inform opportunities for future role development and enhance cancer nursing career pathways.

METHODS

This scoping review included a systematic search of four databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Academic Search Complete. Independent screening for papers meeting the review's inclusion criteria was undertaken using online screening software. Data extraction, coding, and mapping were undertaken in NVivo 12.

RESULTS

Of the 13,409 records identified, 108 met the review's inclusion criteria. A variety of roles in cancer care settings were described. The United States and the United Kingdom had the most titles for advanced practice nursing roles. Tumor-specific roles were described and integrated into different phases of the cancer care continuum. Trends in continuing professional development for advanced practice nurses in cancer care included the rise in Fellowship programs in the United States and practice-based education in the United Kingdom.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences in advanced practice nursing roles in cancer care allow regional and institutional variation to meet the needs of patient populations and health care system demands. However, a lack of clarity surrounding titles and roles results in confusion and underutilization of these nurses' highly specialized skill sets.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Incongruence in titles and scope of practice internationally will ultimately result in a merging of roles. There is a need for international agreement on education requirements for advanced practice nursing roles to promote career pathways.

Effectiveness of oncology nurse navigator on the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in gastric cancer patients undergoing radical gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Management of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) can be challenging in gastric cancer patients undergoing radical gastrectomy and is always associated with poor prognosis. Even though oncology nurse navigator (ONN) provide effective and critical individualized care to patients, little is known about their impact on the occurrence of PPCs in gastric cancer patients. This study aimed to determine whether ONN decreases the incidence of PPCs in gastric cancer patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review in which data for gastric cancer patients at one centre was evaluated before and after an ONN hired. An ONN was introduced to patients at their initial visit to manage pulmonary complications throughout treatment. The research was conducted from 1 August 2020 to 31 January 2022. The study participants were divided into the non-ONN group (from 1 August 2020 to 31 January 2021) and the ONN group (from 1 August 2021 to 31 January 2022). The incidence and severity of PPCs between the groups were then compared.

RESULTS

ONN significantly decreased the incidence of PPCs (15.0% vs. 9.8%) (OR = 2.532(95% CI: 1.087-3.378, P = 0.045)), but there was no significant difference in the components of PPCs including pleural effusion, atelectasis, respiratory infection, and pneumothorax. The severity of PPCs was also significantly higher in the non-ONN group (p = 0.020). No significant statistical difference was observed for the major pulmonary complications ([Formula: see text] 3) between the two groups (p = 0.286).

CONCLUSIONS

Role of ONN significantly decrease the incidence of PPCs in gastric cancer patients undergoing radical gastrectomy.