Tips for Discussing Tough Topics With Patients

Oncology nurses are an integral part of patient care team. Sometimes, they are at the forefront of discussing difficult treatment- and diagnosis-related topics. Ann Katz, RN, PhD, a clinical nurse specialist at Cancer Care Manitoba, provided insight on how to talk to patients about “the elephant in the room” during a session at the 41st Annual Congress in San Antonio, TX.

Survey of Oncology Nurses Finds Antiemetic Guidelines Are Important for Patient Care

By following guidelines for antiemetic regimens, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) can be prevented in most patients. Oncology nurses can be an important member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team to promote and reinforce those guidelines to achieve optimal patient care.

Pilot Study Evaluates Distress Screening Tool for Patients With Cancer

Patient distress as a response to a cancer diagnosis is common, though distress screening and access to quality interventions is not universal or standardized throughout the U.S. healthcare system. A comprehensive screening approach by an interdisciplinary team can ensure standards be integrated into an outpatient facility.

Multisymptom Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Identifies Patient Symptom Burden

The understanding and management of cancer-related symptoms is a primary role for oncology nurses. No patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures currently exist for those with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). A recent descriptive, cross-sectional study sought to develop a short, valid, reliable PRO measure of symptom burden for patients with AML and MDS to determine the validity for practice and research. The study was funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Elotuzumab Plus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone Improves Patient Outcomes for Multiple Myeloma

A three-year follow-up of the ELOQUENT-2 study compared the long-term safety of elotuzumab—a humanized immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody—in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone versus lenalidomide and dexamethasone alone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. This ongoing phase III, open-label, randomized, multicenter study included patients who had received one to three previous lines of therapy and assessed the safety of each treatment regimen.

What Oncology Nurses Need to Know About the Newest Targeted Therapies

Oncology immunotherapy options have greatly expanded recently, and it is important for oncology nurses to understand what the therapies are, how they work, and who should be receiving them. Rowena Schwartz, PharmD, BCOP, the vice president of clinical content and services at McKesson Specialty Health, discussed the latest treatment information during a session at the 41st Annual Congress in San Antonio, TX.

Outpatient Staffing Model Improves RN Roles and Functionalities

Nursing responsibilities vary across different oncology infusion centers in the United States. A standard staffing model to provide efficiency of clinical services and patient safety currently does not exist, and the variability of roles can lead to unnecessary costs to the healthcare system. A recent study sought to define the roles of infusion nurses to create efficiencies within the clinical setting, potentially reduce RN staffing requirements, achieve cost savings, and develop a targeted nurse-to-patient ratio that also maintains quality care.

Chemotherapy Checklist Improves Safe Practices in a Hospital-Wide Approach

Chemotherapy is a high-alert medication, and errors in administration may lead to serious patient harm. Carole Elledge, RN, MSN, AOCN^®, Mary Krivoy, RN, BSN, OCN^®, and Cheryl Downey, RN, BSN, OCN^®, developed a systematic, hospital-wide approach for safe chemotherapy administration at the Methodist Hospital, in San Antonio, TX, and presented their program during a poster session at the ONS 41st Annual Congress in San Antonio, TX. The poster was titled “Implementation of Checklists to Improve Safe Practice Surrounding Chemotherapy Administration.”

New Study Shows Positive Attitudes About Cancer Funding and Research

Working in oncology sometimes means working inside of a bubble that the general public might not always enter. Likely, you’re aware of new treatment developments, oncology-related governmental policies, and the latest, greatest clinical trials. But if you stopped the average individual on the street, he or she might be mostly unaware of this work in the oncology community. One thing is nearly certain though—if you asked that person if he or she knew anyone battling cancer, the answer would most likely be “yes.”

The Significance of Being an Oncology Nurse

I recently read the book Service Fanatics by Jame Merlino, MD, Chief Experience Officer (CXO) at Cleveland Clinic. Merlino’s role focuses on “putting patients at the center of everything we do.” This concept isn’t new to oncology nurses. I daresay the people we care for are always our focus. Their vulnerability reminds us of our own, and we feel it's a privilege to be part of their journey.

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