Non-adherence and non-persistence in breast cancer patients taking antihormonal therapy (AHT) is common. However, the complex patterns and dynamics of adherence and persistence are still not fully understood. This study aims to give insight into the process of (non-)adherence and (non-)persistence by researching influencing factors and their interrelatedness in breast cancer patients taking AHT by means of a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews. The sample consisted of 31 breast cancer patients treated with AHT. Purposive and theoretical sampling and the constant comparison method based on a grounded theory approach were used. Expectations regarding the impact of AHT, social support from family and friends, and recognition from healthcare professionals were found to influence the process of non-adherence and non-persistence. The results of this study can help healthcare professionals understand why breast cancer patients taking AHT do not always adhere to or persist in taking the therapy and may facilitate patient-tailored interventions.

Throughout the cancer experience, participants wanted to be treated as individuals with specific needs and preferences. They preferred circumstances they are accustomed to; some found it difficult to accept restrictions imposed by the hospital. Adolescents and young adults with cancer want to be involved in the way healthcare professionals communicate with them and the information they are provided.

Aim:To explore the practice profile and competencies of advanced practice nurses (APNs) and midwives (AMPs), and factors associated with task non-execution.Background: Advanced practitioner roles are increasingly implemented internationally. Unofficial role introduction led to confusion regarding task performance. Studies examining associations between APNs'/AMPs' task performance and competency levels, and factors associated with task non-execution are lacking. Method:A cross-sectional study among APNs/AMPs in Flanders (Belgium) explored tasks and competencies in seven domains: clinical/professional leadership, change management/innovation, research, clinical expertise/guidance/coaching, consultation/consultancy, multidisciplinary cooperation/care coordination and ethical decision-making. Task performance and competency level frequencies were calculated. Regression analysis identified factors associated with task non-execution on domain/ item level. Results: Participants (n = 63) executed tasks in all domains. Task non-execution related to research and clinical expertise was associated with work setting; task nonexecution regarding care coordination and ethical decision-making was associated with competency perception. Several tasks were performed by few APNs/AMPs despite many feeling competent. Five of ten tasks performed by fewest participants belonged to the leadership domain. Conclusion and implications for nursing and midwifery management: Supervisors could play an important part in APNs'/AMPs' role development, especially regarding leadership and tasks executed by few participants. Future studies should provide in-depth knowledge on task non-execution.

Background: Patient platforms are seen as promising technologies in an integrated care approach to involve cancer patients in their own health care and to support them in managing their personal health information. However, few digital platforms have been codesigned with patients and caregivers. Objective: To develop, implement, and evaluate the feasibility and applicability of a digital oncology platform (DOP) for patients with cancer. Method: A mixed-method study was used, employing a survey, interviews, and logged data from caregivers and patients. The DOP was designed in cooperation with Information Technology (IT) staff, caregivers, and patients. Results: The DOP was actively used by half of the patients. These active patients were positive about the DOP. Caregivers acknowledged the added value but also indicate that additional workload was involved. Oncology nurse specialists are the users of the platform. General practitioners have indicated their interest in the platform. Conclusion: Thanks to the codesign process, the DOP could be tailored to the expectations of the end users. This study provides insight into which DOP functionalities the patients were interested in and includes further recommendations for implementation.

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Cystatin C concentrations were decreased during targeted therapy due to cathepsin D-mediated proteolysis. Cystatin C-eGFR is therefore not considered a suitable marker for assessing kidney function in oncology patients, and other techniques to estimate the GFR have to be applied in this patient population.

Multiple factors influencing role implementation on a governmental, healthcare organizational, and workforce level illustrate the complexity of the implementation process, and highlight the need for a well-thought-out implementation plan involving all relevant stakeholders. Pilot projects for the implementation of advanced midwife practitioners in university hospitals might be useful.

Trial registration number: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04896879, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04896879. †The members of the Belgian LARS collaborative group can be found in the acknowledgements.