European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society
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The aim was, through analysis of dialogues in supervision sessions, to explore if health care staff in surgical care discussed existential issues when caring for cancer patients. ⋯ This study shows that there are existential issues at a surgical clinic which health care staff need to acknowledge. The staff find themselves exposed to existential dilemmas when caring for cancer patients. They are conscious of patients' existential issues, but lack strategies for dealing with this. This study highlights a need to provide support to staff for developing an existential approach, which will boost their confidence in their encounters with patients.
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Breathlessness in patients with advanced cancer is common. It remains a difficult symptom to improve despite recent advances in cancer treatment and the increasing evidence available. Patients and carers experience a high level of distress from this frightening symptom. There is a greater volume of evidence to guide the management of breathlessness accompanying advanced non-malignant disease, as opposed to malignant disease, as most research has been conducted in this group. This article reviews the management of breathlessness in patients with cancer. ⋯ The cause of breathlessness in advanced cancer patients is usually multifactorial. A combination of pharmacological with non-pharmacological approaches is essential to manage breathlessness. Breathlessness services (e.g. Breathlessness Intervention Service) can be considered to be innovative and effective models of care when provided as part of a network of services aimed at helping patients with advanced cardiorespiratory disease, including patients with advanced cancer.
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Mandatory communication skills training for cancer and palliative care staff: does one size fit all?
There is increasing recognition of the importance of good communication between healthcare professionals and patients facing cancer or end of life. In England, a new national 3-day training programme called 'Connected' has been developed and is now mandatory for all cancer and palliative care professionals. This study aimed to explore the attitudes of staff in one region to undertaking this training. ⋯ The current 'one size fits all' approach being taken nationally to advanced communication skills training does not meet the training preferences of all healthcare professionals, and it is recommended that tailoring courses to individuals' needs should be considered.
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Fatigue and disrupted sleep often coexist and both are prominent clinical problems in cancer affecting quality of life. Disrupted sleep patterns are likely related to cancer-related fatigue. The relationship needs further investigation. This study aimed to characterize and compare disrupted sleep patterns in fatigued breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy with postmenopausal women without a history of cancer. Anxiety levels were also examined. ⋯ Sleep is disrupted in fatigued breast cancer women undergoing chemotherapy. Nearly all fatigued patients (97%) had trouble sleeping (global PSQI scores>5), indicating significant difficulties in overall sleep quality among those patients. Knowledge of the nature of sleep disruption among cancer patients may contribute to CRF symptom management leading to tailored interventions designed to improve sleep quality in cancer patients thereby managing fatigue and improving quality of life.