The results of this research confirmed the importance of designing programs to support cancer survivors in an integrative manner from initial diagnosis into the period of long-term survivorship. Specific attention should be placed on the concerns related to fear of recurrence, fatigue, financial burden, and the long-term effects of cancer treatment.

In an environment of changing demographics and health care disparities, it is essential that nurses continue to develop competence in providing care across cultures. This article presents the findings of a pilot project to measure and compare self-reported cultural competence scores before and after participation in one of the core classes of a cultural competence curriculum. Cultural competence of the staff of a patient care unit (N = 98) was assessed prior to the class, at 3 months, and at 6 months posteducation using the Inventory for Assessing the Process of Cultural Competence Among Healthcare Professionals-Revised. The results demonstrated that following an educational intervention the participants self-reported a statistically significant increase (p = .03) in cultural competence within the category range of cultural awareness. Providing cultural competence education may better equip nurses to care for patients from diverse cultures.

Dermal ISF sampling is a bloodless minimally invasive technique that provides a medium for glucose measurement, the concentrations of which closely reflect ambient glycemia to a degree comparable with that of capillary glucose measurements.

Purpose To learn the level of experience with, interest in, and desire for knowledge about integrative medicine (IM) among cancer survivors. Methods Cancer survivors attending the 2014 National Cancer Survivors Day in Rochester, Minnesota, were recruited to participate in a 1-page survey about their ongoing health concerns and symptoms, as well as their experience with, interest in, and desire for knowledge about IM. Two-sided t test was used for univariate analyses of impact of sex, time since diagnosis, and age. Results Among the 260 cancer survivors, 171 persons (female, 74%; male, 26%) completed the survey (mean age, 64.6 years). Symptoms most commonly somewhat or more bothersome were fear of recurrence (52%), stress (43%), fatigue (43%), difficulty sleeping (33%), and weight gain (31%). The most used IM resources were exercise (75%), improved nutrition and diet (66%), stress management (42%), dietary supplementation (33%), meditation (25%), and massage (22%). Older patients (age, ≥65 years) were less experienced with, interested in, and desiring of knowledge about IM techniques. Sex and time since diagnosis were not strongly predictive of most survey response categories. Conclusions Cancer survivors have adverse effects for years into survivorship. They use and express interest in various IM techniques to help manage symptoms. It is critical that oncology providers help survivors address ongoing health concerns. Education about and access to evidence-based IM techniques may have important roles in comprehensive cancer survivorship programs.

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