Nurses can support women's need to focus and can assist family members to understand their role during the diagnostic period. The diagnostic period can be used to talk with women about their spiritual beliefs, their needs, and possible referral to a chaplain.
OBJECTIVES: This study reports on Canadian mammography rates between 1990, when mass screening programs were launched, and 1994/95. METHODS: Mammography rates from 2 national surveys were compared according to the presence of a provincial screening program. RESULTS: Mammography rates among women aged 50 to 69 years (the targeted group) increased significantly, by 16%; increases were twice as high in provinces with screening programs. Among women in their 40s (nontargeted group), the changes were insignificant and independent of screening program status. CONCLUSIONS: Screening programs appear to have influenced the mammography rates of targeted women aged 50 to 69 years.
Addressing supportive care needs of individuals affected by cancer is a crucial role for oncology nurses. If these needs are not identified and addressed, then individuals and their families risk experiencing biopsychosocial distress. This paper describes how a group of interested nurses with research and/or cancer knowledge developed, implemented and evaluated an evidence-based university undergraduate course in oncology nursing. The purposes of this course are to provide nurses with specialized knowledge about supportive care in oncology throughout the cancer care continuum and to assist registered nurses in preparing for oncology nursing certification. Theoretical, practical and research-based issues related to the scope of supportive care are incorporated into the assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning and evaluation of client care.
Given the overall magnitude of cancer, a climate of stretched health care resources, and the political activism of cancer survivors and families, it is becoming increasingly clear that local service providers need to assess and reassess the care they provide. A qualitative design was used to seek the patient and family's perspectives on whether or not their needs were being met while in hospital. Direct feedback from a convenience sample of 19 oncology patients and families was elicited through a semi-structured interview. Qualitative data analysis revealed eight important aspects of care for oncology patients and their families. These included: communication between patients and caregivers, caregiver availability and concerns about health care cutbacks, coordination and continuity of care, physical care and comfort, psychosocial care, caregiver sensitivity, caregiver competence, and the physical environment of the hospital. Challenges faced by individuals and their families affected by cancer are highlighted as they navigate through our health care system. Respondents provide positive reinforcement for use of appropriate interventions by caregivers, while clearly outlining areas needing improvement.
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