Effects of acupuncture and acupressure on cancer-related fatigue: a systematic review.

Purpose/objectives: To critically examine the evidence for acupuncture and acupressure in the management of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in adult patients with cancer.

Data Sources: 18 databases were searched for randomized, controlled trials published in English and Chinese through April 2014.

Data Synthesis: Given the heterogeneity of data, meta-analysis was not conducted.

Do educational interventions improve cancer patients' quality of life and reduce pain intensity? Quantitative systematic review.

Aims: This paper reports a quantitative systematic review of the effects of educational interventions on quality of life, pain intensity and pain interference in cancer patients.

Background: Cancer pain has a marked negative impact on quality of life, and this has become an important issue in discussions of treatment options. Patient education seems to be effective in pain management, but no review has been published with quality of life as an outcome measure.

The information needs of breast cancer patients in Hong Kong and their levels of satisfaction with the provision of information.

Background: Information is vital for patients in overcoming cancer and making decisions about their treatment plans, but little is known about the information needs of Chinese breast cancer patients and their satisfaction with the information provided.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to examine the priority of information needs perceived by participants and the demographic and clinical factors that affect the priority of information needs such as prioritization, the utilization of and satisfaction with different sources of information, and satisfaction with the information provided by health care professionals.

Methods: A self-administered survey was used, including sources of information, an Information Needs Questionnaire-Chinese version, and patients' satisfaction with the information provided by health care professionals.

Effectiveness of exercise programmes on shoulder mobility and lymphoedema after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer: systematic review.

Aim: This article is a report of a review of the effectiveness of exercise programmes on shoulder mobility and lymphoedema in postoperative patients with breast cancer having axillary lymph node dissection, as revealed by randomized controlled trials.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. After surgery, the most common postoperative complications are reduced range of motion in the shoulder, muscle weakness in the upper extremities, lymphoedema, pain and numbness.

Knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management among nurses in Hong Kong medical units.

Aims: To investigate knowledge levels and attitudes regarding pain management among nurses working in medical units in Hong Kong and factors that might influence their knowledge and attitudes.

Background: Pain, a common symptom for patients in medical units, can be relieved by effective pain management. Nurses have a vital role in implementing pain management effectively and must, therefore, have a solid foundation of knowledge and a positive attitude towards pain management.