Australian Journal of Cancer Nursing

Objective To evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and perceived effectiveness of a gym-based exercise program from the perspectives of breast cancer patients and clinicians.

Methods Mixed-methods design (survey and interviews) to investigate patients’ and clinicians’ perceptions and experiences of a gym-based exercise program implemented at a public tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia.

Results Fifteen female breast cancer patients who had participated in the program completed a survey; eight female patients and four breast care clinicians participated in an interview. Participants thought the program was acceptable, assisted breast cancer patients to undertake regular and appropriate exercise, and improved health and fitness. Patients reported positive aspects including peer support, assistance with recovery, and improvements in mood. Most continued to exercise after program completion.

Conclusions Gym-based exercise programs appear to be an acceptable, feasible and potentially effective form of exercise for patients with breast cancer. Exercise should be included in breast cancer treatment plans.

ObjectiveTo investigate and compare the receipt of patient-centred care amongst rural and urban outpatients undergoing cancer treatment.

Methods Cross sectional survey of 444 (331 urban and 113 rural residing) adult cancer patients of heterogeneous cancer types receiving cancer treatment in four outpatient cancer clinics in New South Wales, Australia.

Results Patients received a mean of 15.70 out of 21 patient-centred care elements. Only 5% (n=21) of patients received all 21 patient-centred care elements. Information about actual treatment delivery and physical side effects were most frequently received (96%). Practical and psychosocial care were least frequently received (21–31%). Patients’ rural or urban residential location was not significantly associated with the receipt of patient-centred care (p=0.963).

Conclusion Gaps in practical and psychosocial care occurred in both rural and urban cancer patients. Greater involvement of other healthcare professionals, such as general practitioners, could be considered to meet gaps in patient-centred cancer care.

A key aspect of developmentally appropriate healthcare is the provision of age-appropriate environments. In 2016, the Youth Cancer Centre (YCC) located at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre was built as an ambulatory hub for adolescent and young adults (AYA). This study examined what components of the YCC built environment were utilised and which aspects could be improved. Two questionnaires (AYA; carers) were developed that evaluated the YCC using quantitative analysis. In total, 81 individuals participated (n=49 AYA; n=32 carers). The most common reasons for YCC usage included: to attend clinical appointments with the AYA team; to use the kitchen facilities; to rest/relax; and to attend group programs and watch TV. The lack of peer connection and the ability to rearrange the space to suit individual needs were potential gaps identified by both cohorts. There is an ongoing need for research into the role of age-appropriate healthcare environments and their effect on the patient experience.

Background Non-specialist cancer nurses deliver a substantial proportion of cancer care in Australia, but report a lack of foundational education in cancer. Little is known about their educational needs.

Objectives To explore and describe the care provided by non-specialist cancer nurses and identify unmet needs regarding cancer care and education.

Design Exploratory, concurrent, mixed-methods.

Settings and participants Registered nurses working in non-specialist wards that provided cancer care in metropolitan public hospital in Melbourne, Australia.

Methods An online survey and semi-structured interview assessing care provided, nurses’ experiences and education needs. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Results A synthesis of both data sets revealed a lack of knowledge and confidence in foundational cancer knowledge, communicating with patients, providing supportive care and delivering end of life care.

Conclusion Non-specialist nurses lack confidence and knowledge of core aspects of cancer care and would benefit from tailored education.

Aims The aim of this systematic review was to critique research examining the use of nurse-led clinics for head and neck cancers.

Method This review was conducted using the Pickering systematic literature review framework. Searching during November 2021, research published between 2011–2021 from the databases MEDLINE, Scopus, PsychINFO, Cochrane and CINAHL was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), descriptive quantitative analysis and thematic analysis.

Results A total of 134 articles were recovered, with 13 studies included for analysis. Of these, seven were cohort studies, four were observations-based and five were randomised control trials. Furthermore, 12 of these studies highlighted the role of an outpatient clinic-based nurse practice, and four were based on the generalised role of an advanced practice nurse. Of all 13 studies, only one was based in Australia, with the majority based in either Europe (7) or the USA (8).

Conclusion Nurse-led clinics for head and neck cancer follow ups show promising results to improve patients’ quality of life. All 13 studies showed an increase in patient-reported quality of life. Further research may be required to study the financial and resource availability for the utilisation of nurse-led clinics in the future.

Impact This study addressed a gap in knowledge of the success and distribution of nurse-led clinics in the field of head and neck cancers. Overall, there is a strong outcome of feasibility and quality patient outcomes for nurse-led clinics. However, there are low sample sizes in the articles found. This may have future impacts on policy and resource funding for further development of nurse-led services; however, further research will be required.