Nursing considerations for supporting cancer patients with metastatic spinal cord compression: a literature review

Abstract

Background: metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) is an oncology emergency. Prevalence is increasing. Treatment and care are complex and those diagnosed may be faced with life-changing challenges. Aims: to review the impact and management of MSCC in patients with cancer, in order to analyse nursing considerations for supporting patients. Methods: a literature review and thematic analysis of five primary research papers, published between 2009 and 2014. Findings: two themes of prognosis/survival time and independence versus dependence were discovered. Conclusions: the onset of MSCC may result in paralysis and associated loss of independence, impacting on a patient's quality of life. Understanding individuals' prognosis and treatment/care preferences is fundamental for the sensitive, individualised support of patients with MSCC. The findings reinforce the nurses' role in health education, in order to raise awareness of MSCC and promote early diagnosis so that patients maintain function and independence as long as possible. The findings support the need for nurses to be equipped with appropriate communication skills to initiate and engage in sensitive, difficult and proactive conversations with patients and their families, supporting the delivery of humanised care.

Effect of Educational Program for Nurses on Clinical Outcomes of Cancer patients with Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression

“…. These findings were in agreement with Al Attar W.2015 (58 ) who report that the majority (55%) of nurses in study group are within the age of (31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40), and also supported by Won Kim H and et al 2019 ( 59) who reported that Majority (57.2 %) of respondents belonged to the age group of (26-35) years.…”

“…Nursing assessment usually consists of two main domains, taking the patients health history and physical examination. The history of the symptoms and disease process will help determine if the patient is experiencing autonomic dysfunction (27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39) .…”

The experiences and needs of metastatic spinal cancer family caregivers at home: a systematic review

“…Family caregivers face numerous dimensions of care burden, including their physical, psychological, and social health [ 11 ]. Many studies have researched family caregivers’ experiences and the need to support care at home in different country contexts [ 12 , 13 ]. There are personal care challenges related to the cultures and beliefs of family caregivers of persons with metastases cancer, which affect the caring role and the health status of family caregivers and their ability to meet patient needs [ 14 ].…”