Cancer specialist nurses’ perspectives of physical activity promotion and the potential role of physical activity apps in cancer care

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to understand breast, prostate and colorectal cancer clinical nurse specialists’ (CNSs) perspectives on physical activity (PA) promotion and the role of smartphone apps to support PA promotion in cancer care.MethodsCNSs working in breast, prostate or colorectal cancer were recruited via advertisements distributed by professional organizations. In-depth semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsNineteen CNSs participated. The analysis resulted in 4 themes regarding CNSs’ perspectives of PA promotion within cancer care: (i) policy changes in survivorship care have influenced CNSs’ promotion of PA; (ii) CNSs recognize their role in supporting PA but sit within a wider system necessary for effective PA promotion; (iii) CNSs use several techniques to promote PA within their consultations; (iv) remaining challenges in PA promotion. The analysis resulted in 3 themes regarding CNSs’ perspectives on the use of apps to promote PA within cancer care: (i) the influence of apps on access to PA support; (ii) the role of apps in self-directed PA; (iii) implementing apps in cancer care.ConclusionsThe results of this study provide valuable insight into the CNS role and provide a number of important considerations for the development and implementation of PA interventions within cancer care, with a specific focus on smartphone-based interventions.Implications for Cancer SurvivorsCNSs play an important role in PA promotion in cancer care and this research can inform the development of PA interventions delivered via smartphone app for people affected by cancer.

Determinants of the behavioral intention to use a mobile nursing application by nurses in China

“…A mobile nursing app in nursing services is still in its infancy. Previous studies mainly focus on the construction of a mobile nursing app [9,10], the investigation of application needs [11,12] and the exploration of the feasibility of nursing [13][14][15]. A mobile nursing app has the characteristics by the use of mobile applications, such as the emphasis on the individual's smart phone use ability [16], and the ability to accept mobile applications [17], which puts forward higher requirements for nurses.…”

Towards implementing exercise into the prostate cancer care pathway: development of a theory and evidence-based intervention to train community-based exercise professionals to support change in patient exercise behaviour (The STAMINA trial)

“…We also included components of the PBA to gain ongoing feedback from user perspectives to optimise future implementation. Furthermore, we addressed previously reported barriers to integrating NICE recommendations into practice [ 10 , 11 ], by developing an intervention to be delivered by community providers; to enhance patient accessibility and scalability during the implementation process [ 50 ]. Furthermore, NHS services are currently under extreme pressure due to the coronavirus pandemic [ 51 ] thus highlighting the need to explore new pathways of care.…”

“…As such, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE; NG131 1.4.19) include in the guidelines for locally advanced and advanced prostate cancer a recommendation that men on ADT should be offered supervised, aerobic and resistance exercise twice weekly for 12 weeks [ 8 ]. However, these recommendations are seldom integrated into practise [ 9 ] due to several reported barriers from healthcare professionals (HCPs), including a lack of exercise services to refer men to [ 10 ] and limited awareness of clinical exercise recommendations [ 11 ], thus adding to unmet needs reported by men with prostate cancer [ 12 ]. Furthermore, men on ADT who participated in a 12-month supervised exercise programme believe community gyms are easily accessible and a location they look forward to attending [ 13 ].…”

Impact of having a certified nurse specialist in critical care nursing as head nurse on ICU patient outcomes

“…Previous research has shown that ICU management led by intensive care physicians is associated with improvements in mortality and the duration of hospitalization in Japanese and international contexts [20,22]. Advanced practice nurses, including CNSs, have advanced nursing skills and clinical decision making experience in their area of expertise [23][24][25], which can facilitate positive outcomes by guiding the medical team to appropriate solutions [6,[26][27][28], especially for patients with complex and difficult problems in the ICU and general wards. In low-intensity ICUs or open ICUs, in which intensive care physicians do not determine treatment for various reasons, collaboration between physicians and the CNS responsible for advanced nursing practice improves treatment outcomes.…”