Because oncology practice settings are often are chaotically busy with the need to deliver complex care, high-risk treatments, and psychosocial support, oncology nurses are key contributors to the assurance of safe and high-quality care. Patients expect to receive safe care provided by competent staff, and oncology nurses must be aware of the magnitude and significance of safety-related risks.
During a patients’ initial visit, they’re asked to fill out a screening tool that helps provide a clearer picture as to what their home life is like. This tool addresses important information that helps to dictate our care. Though patients may feel like this is “just another piece of paperwork,” it is crucial to helping us understand their needs and to begin planning for special precautions we many need to take going forward.
A new study has found an increase in the number of women younger than 26 who have received a diagnosis of early-stage cervical cancer. Researchers concluded that it is most likely the effect of the Affordable Care Act.
Do you know that more than 1,000 of your colleagues and more than 100 ONS staff work for you year-round? You probably know about the volunteer boards who govern ONS, ONS Foundation, and the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. Add to them the members who volunteer to oversee the content planning for the annual Congress, review award and grant submissions, develop test questions for certification exams, and serve as advisors to various departments. And you also probably know your chapter leadership, and you may know a special interest group (SIG) coordinator or two.
Shared decision making is an idea that has been around for a while in cancer care, but what does it really mean, and, more specifically, what is the nurse’s role in shared decision making? Are only specific nurses involved, like clinical trial nurses, nurse navigators, or advanced practice nurses? Or, is it a role for all oncology nurses?
Navigating the healthcare system as a patient with cancer, with multiple treatment options, frequent appointments, diagnostic tests, new medications, and insurance complications, is confusing and can become overwhelming. Advocacy is one crucial role a nurse fulfills, providing education and support to assist patients with making decisions and managing their condition.
At the onset, patients diagnosed with cancer can feel a loss of control. Research has shown that when patients and providers participate in shared decision making (SDM), both parties find greater satisfaction in the overall decision and adherence to the treatment plan improves.
Coverage by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has recently made computed tomography (CT) lung screening access possible for many at high risk for lung cancer. Part of the National Coverage Determination requires that patients engage in a shared decision making (SDM) session with their healthcare providers before entering a CT screening program.
Patients who use shared decision making are more often satisfied with their outcomes, even when met with unexpected or unfavorable side effects. Oncology nurses at any practice level can actively participate in the shared decision making process; if you haven’t been involved in shared decision making before, here’s what you need to know to get started.
