Seminars in oncology nursing
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To identify the unique needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) cancer patients and caregivers, and review recommendations supporting more effective and inclusive palliative and end-of-life care. ⋯ LGBT patients and their caregivers need competent nurses to support them, especially during transitions. Implementing LGBT-inclusive education, training, and practice will improve outcomes for LGBT cancer patients and their caregivers - and potentially all patients.
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To describe the development, launch, implementation, and outcomes of a unique multisite collaborative (ie, IMPACT-ICU [Integrating Multidisciplinary Palliative Care into the ICU]) to teach ICU nurses communication skills specific to palliative care. To identify options for collaboration between oncology and critical care nurses when integrating palliation into nursing care planning. ⋯ Communication education is a vital yet missing element of undergraduate nursing education. Programs should be offered in the work setting to address this gap in needed nurse competency, particularly within the context of onco-critical-palliative care.
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To review disease-related symptoms and side effects of treatment in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). ⋯ Disease- and treatment-related adverse events are prevalent in patients with MM. Patient, family, and health care professional education is essential to monitor and manage these side effects.
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To describe palliative care as part of comprehensive oncology nursing care. ⋯ Oncology nurses must obtain knowledge and skills in primary palliative care to provide comprehensive cancer care.
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To identify treatment-related toxicities that are either more frequent or more severe in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology population. To explore differences in drug pharmacology and patient physiology that contribute to toxicities in the AYA population and to describe the impact of treatment-related toxicities on outcomes for AYA patients. ⋯ AYA patients are at a higher risk for toxicities from regimens that may be tolerated by younger patients. Staff should be aware of toxicities facing this population so that appropriate supportive care measures can be utilized. Future research on the pharmacology of drugs in adolescence, hormonal effects on drug-metabolizing enzymes, cumulative exposure to different drugs in combination, and risk and severity of specific toxicities will be critical to improving the treatment of AYA patients.