European journal of cancer care
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Jul 2006
ReviewA qualitative study of anterior resection syndrome: the experiences of cancer survivors who have undergone resection surgery.
This study aimed to explore how individuals recovered and adapted following surgical resection of their rectal cancer and the syndrome that occurs as a consequence of this operation. This syndrome, 'anterior resection syndrome', consists of frequency, urgency, fragmentation and incontinence of faeces, and is thought to occur in 90% of patients who have received this type of surgery. Little qualitative research has been undertaken in this area, and this study adds to current quality of life data and explores supportive care strategies that nurses could use to assist patients. ⋯ Information on a range of strategies to manage physical symptoms is helpful in providing supportive care. Understanding that patients often rely on inappropriate strategies for management and are reluctant to discuss symptoms is important. The specialist nurse has a role in providing supportive care in managing chronic symptoms following cancer treatment.
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Mar 2001
ReviewScreening for depression in palliative care patients: a review.
Depression is a significant symptom for 25% of patients admitted to a palliative care unit, but many of these symptoms are not identified and therefore not treated. Reasons for failure to diagnose depression are misconceptions regarding low mood as being a normal part of a terminal illness and also the patients' reluctance to disclose their thoughts and feelings. ⋯ In an effort to improve the detection of depression, many professionals are using rating scales or tools in order to improve the diagnosis and treatment. This review discusses the complex issues of diagnosis of depression and highlights why certain tools may not be so useful or applicable in the palliative care population.
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Dec 1998
ReviewResearch with families in palliative care: conceptual and methodological challenges.
Conducting research with families of individuals receiving palliative care is challenging. Issues contributing to the challenge include defining the family, determining the unit of analysis in the level of inquiry, and identifying pathways to knowledge about the family. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the major conceptual and methodological issues facing family researchers in general, with an aim to examining how these issues impact researchers studying families of individuals receiving palliative care.
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Sep 1998
ReviewRegional implementation of a national cancer policy: taking forward multiprofessional, collaborative cancer care.
The vision of the Calman-Hine paper is of patient-centred care, delivered by co-ordinated services which have genuine partnerships with each other. There is integration of other providers of support, to meet psychological and non-clinical needs. There is access to palliative care when required, from diagnosis onwards, and not just in the terminal stage. ⋯ Our recommendations are based upon in-depth discussions with purchasers, doctors and nurses, and others involved with cancer services within hospitals or the community across the region. They reflect the priorities placed on the development of good practice. Purchasers and providers should work together to implement these guidelines.
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Dec 1995
ReviewNursing as therapy in the management of breathlessness in lung cancer.
Breathlessness has been described as an unpleasant sensation, but if it encompasses suffering, as some argue, it is much more than this. Breathlessness is also a major issue for people with cancer. Much of the effort to manage breathlessness has thus far focused on the treatment of underlying causes or on pharmacological strategies. ⋯ Evidence is presented from a small study of the experiences of nurses working in the experimental clinic for breathlessness which suggests that the emotional consequences of breathlessness have a profound influence on how it is managed in practice. Finally, it is argued that symptoms are sometimes generalized too much. Experience is particular, not universal, and an open, accepting and therapeutic approach to managing illness has to be involved with messy and sometimes frightening emotions.