Background Breast Care Nurses (BCNs) are now established internationally, predominantly in well resourced healthcare systems. The role of BCNs has expanded to reflect the diversity of the population in which they work, and the improvements in survival of women with breast cancer. Interventions by BCNs aim to support women and help them cope with the impact of the disease on their quality of life. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of individual interventions carried out by BCN's on quality of life outcomes for women with breast cancer.

Background Breast Care Nurses (BCNs) are now established internationally, predominantly in well resourced healthcare systems. The role of BCNs has expanded to reflect the diversity of the population in which they work, and the improvements in survival of women with breast cancer. Interventions by BCNs aim to support women and help them cope with the impact of the disease on their quality of life. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of individual interventions carried out by BCN's on quality of life outcomes for women with breast cancer.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requires that nurses and midwives use feedback as an opportunity for reflection and learning, to improve practice. The NMC revalidation process stipulates that practitioners provide examples of how they have achieved this. To reflect in a meaningful way, it is important to understand what is meant by reflection, the skills required, and how reflection can be undertaken successfully. Traditionally, reflection occurs after an event encountered in practice. The authors challenge this perception, suggesting that reflection should be undertaken before, during and after an event. This article provides practical guidance to help practitioners use reflective models to write reflective accounts. It also outlines how the reflective process can be used as a valuable learning tool in preparation for revalidation.

This paper reports findings from an exploratory qualitative study concerning end-of-life support for family carers in an acute ward setting. The participants included bereaved carers of patients who had died in an acute ward or hospice, as well as health professionals. Interviews and focus groups were used to collect data. The study provides insights into the perceptions and needs of carers at the end of life and the challenges these present for nursing staff in an acute ward. This paper focuses on one key theme incorporating issues around communication between family and nursing staff and the availability of practical facilities. It provides information that may be beneficial to hospital staff who work in acute areas where there is an expectation they will support carers around the time of death.

Female; Humans Methods of communicating a primary diagnosis of breast cancer to patients (Review)