Advanced breast cancer clinical nursing curriculum: review and recommendations

Abstract

PurposeThe needs and concerns of patients with advanced breast cancer are changing at every phase of the care intervention. Management and coordination of hospital resources and services are also steadily evolving. The objective of the present expert report is to define a new oncology nursing role specialising in advanced breast cancer, to help guide patients throughout the whole healthcare itinerary.MethodsA group of eight experts in oncology nursing and medical oncology defined the content index of the curriculum document. A systematic review of bibliography was carried out, and the relevant contents were extracted. Based on these contents and the participants’ experience, recommendations were formulated and validated through a Delphi questionnaire and a participative meeting.ResultsThe advanced breast cancer clinical nurse (ABCCN) should develop a clinical, psychosocial role focused on coordinating patients in the healthcare network. The nurse would be in charge of evaluating and supervising the care administered and the healthcare resources used. The ABCCN should be aware and participate in the protocols and available resources, be able to solve conflicts, deal with burn-out signs and have clinical, coaching and team-working abilities. The proposed curriculum provides a specific process for the care of patients, as well as an implementation process.ConclusionsThe ABCCN’s role is crucial to assume the best care and the optimisation of available resources. This review and consensus document provides the required tools for the implementation in hospitals.

Feelings and difficulties experienced by cancer patients along the diagnostic and therapeutic itineraries

“…It's an effective initiative to give specific guidance, enabling sharing experiences and concerns among equals, as they receive suggestions that can assist them to face the process. 23 In the same way, sources of support, love and care, during the course of treatment can be found on friendship relationships and group experience, such as religous, for exemple, as pointed out by PF52BREAST. It stands out the religiosity as a predominant factor in the perception of the participants, this because, faced with the difficulties experienced during this trajectory, individuals tend to find relief and comfort in the faith.…”

“…Their demands must be met in all phases of the disease. 23 In order to perform the treatment, many patients need to move to a reference municipality, due to the conformation of the care network and, mainly, the high costs represented by the different types of treatment and its complexity. Although the right to transportation, food and daily allowance for cancer patients and their companion through the Unified Health System, 5 in practice this right is summarized to transport.…”

End-of-life communication in advanced cancer: international trends (2009–2014)

“…Consequently, certain topics may be more frequently discussed with palliative caregivers or nurses of the palliative homecare team rather than with GPs. An interesting example is the evolving role of the oncology nurse in clinical oncology departments 38 39. These nurses pay particular attention to the emotional impact of living with and beyond the diagnosis and its treatment through the cancer care pathway 40.…”

The Application of Whole-Process Case Management in Patients with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

“…Its treatment efficiency presents obvious enrichments as the medical techniques advance with years [ 2 ]. However, patients are required to receive adjuvant chemotherapy despite receiving breast cancer surgery with curative intent and usually experience postoperative complications and side effects from chemotherapy, which compromises their quality of life [ 3 ]. Thus, an urgent need exists to further explore the improvement of quality of life, psychological health, and nursing satisfaction.…”