Coping style and typology of perceived social support of male partners of women with breast cancer.

This article reports on one component of an exploratory qualitative study, namely male partners' coping style of self-reliance, and the perceived social support that these partners relied upon to cope with their wife's breast cancer. Data were drawn from a larger study designed to explore male partners' perceived needs and the services they preferred to address these needs following their wife's diagnosis of breast cancer. The 27 male partners participating in this study were significantly affected by their wife's breast cancer.

Getting back on track: a group psychoeducational intervention for patients and families living with head and neck cancer.

Purpose: Head and neck cancer survivors are increasing in prevalence, and 60-70% still experience at least one unmet emotional and/or physical need after treatment has ended. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a brief post-treatment psychoeducational intervention on perceived preparedness for coping with recovery using post-session evaluations.

Methods: Between August 2013 and May 2018, a two-session, multidisciplinary "getting back on track" class was delivered to head and neck cancer patients approximately 2 months following radiation treatment at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada.

Looking within and beyond our borders: Exemplars of international initiatives involving CANO/ACIO members.

The Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology/Association Canadienne des Infirmières en Oncologie (CANO/ACIO) is committed to being an influencing force globally. Its role in international work has been an important aspect of the Strategic Plan over the past five years. Beginning in 2015, following an environmental scan, literature review, and member input, the "Framework for International Engagement, Exchange, Influence and Partnerships" was articulated.

A qualitative descriptive study of patients' experiences of a radiation skin reaction associated with treatment for a head and neck cancer.

The majority of patients receiving radiation therapy will experience a radiation skin reaction, ranging from mild erythema to severe moist desquamation. The anticipated skin reaction will vary by cancer diagnosis, dose of radiation, size of treatment field, and other treatment-and patient-related factors. Recently, research has dispelled long-held myths about avoiding skin care products prior to treatment, and the use of deodorant or antiperspirant during treatment for breast cancer and any potential for an increased skin dose with the use of skin care products.

Practical innovation: Advanced practice nurses in cancer care.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to gather emerging practice evidence, through consultation with Advance Practice Nurses (APN), to fill the evidence gaps in the published guidelines, Effective Use of Advanced Practice Nurses in the Delivery of Adult Cancer Services in Ontario, and to provide a set of expert panel recommendations to build a research agenda to promote the collection and publication of Level 1 and 2 evidence.

Method: A three-step RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Methodology (RAM) modified Delphi process was used to solicit expert opinion on the use of APNs in adult cancer care in Ontario.

Results: Thirty-four (34) case examples of APN use were gathered.

Innovation pratique : infirmières en pratique avancée et soins du cancer.

Objectifs: La présente étude avait pour but de recueillir, en consultation avec les infirmières en pratique avancée (IPA), des données probantes sur les pratiques émergentes afin de combler les lacunes à cet égard dans les lignes directrices sur le recours judicieux aux infirmières en pratique avancée dans la prestation des services aux adultes atteints de cancer en Ontario (Effective Use of Advanced Practice Nurses in the Delivery of Adult Cancer Services in Ontario), ainsi que de proposer un ensemble de recommandations, formulées par un groupe d'experts, pour créer un programme de recherche qui permettra de recueillir et de publier des données probantes de niveau 1 et de niveau 2.

MÉthodologie: Une enquête Delphi modifiée à trois tours faisant appel à la méthodologie mise au point par RAND et UCLA (aussi appelée ≪ Appropriateness Methodology ≫) a été utilisée pour solliciter l'avis des spécialistes sur le recours aux IPA pour le soin des adultes atteints de cancer en Ontario.

RÉsultats: Trente-quatre (34) cas de recours aux IPA ont été recensés.

Pre-treatment psychoeducational intervention and outcomes in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Background: To investigate the relationship between attendance to a pre-treatment psychoeducational intervention (prehab) with treatment outcomes and toxicities in patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancers (HNCs).

Methods: Patients were included from prehab inception in 2013 to 2017, comparing overall survival (OS), locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and locoregional recurrence (LRR) between prehab attendees (PA) and non-attendees (PNA). Multivariable analysis was performed for OS and LRFS.

The prevalence and determinants of return to work in head and neck cancer survivors.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of and factors associated with the reduction or complete cessation of employment following treatment in head and neck cancer survivors.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among head and neck cancer survivors visiting outpatient clinics at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre over a period of 18 months. Participants at any point along their survivorship course completed a survey that included demographic information, the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) Work Status Questionnaire, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck (FACT-HN), the M.

A Canadian Survey of the Management of Radiation-Induced Skin Reactions.

Introduction: Radiation therapy skin reactions are one of the most common side effects and can cause patient distress. In some cases, a severe radiation-induced skin reaction may limit delivered dose and potentially compromise treatment outcomes. There are some established best practices, but approaches and patient advice appear to have changed little over the years and are often based on tradition, not evidence.

Partner's survivorship care needs: An analysis in head and neck cancer patients.

Purpose: To determine the number, type and predictors of unmet needs for head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors' partner's.

Methods: Partners of HNC patients were invited to complete the Cancer Survivors' Partners Unmet Needs Survey (CaSPUN). Analysis determined number, proportion and factors associated with greater unmet needs using linear regression.

Work-related experiences of head and neck cancer survivors: an exploratory and descriptive qualitative study.

Purpose: This exploratory and descriptive study contributes to the growing knowledge about the return-to-work (RTW) experience of head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. Viewing RTW as a process, participants were asked to consider the work-related experience with HNC at different phases: (1) at diagnosis/pre-treatment, (2) working during treatment (if the respondent did not take a work disability leave), and (3) post-treatment/RTW (if the respondent took a work disability leave).

Methods: Data were gathered in nine individual semi-structured in-depth interviews with patients receiving treatment at a quaternary cancer center's HNC clinic in Ontario, Canada.

An Investigation into Body Image Concerns in the Head and Neck Cancer Population Receiving Radiation or Chemoradiation Using the Body Image Scale: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Body image (BI) can have a major impact on quality of life, sense of self, and self-confidence. BI concerns are underrepresented within the literature among patients treated with radiation therapy. This pilot study aimed to determine the prevalence of BI concerns among head and neck cancer patients receiving radiation alone or chemoradiation.

National legislation and spending on vaccines in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This study examined the dynamics of vaccine spending and vaccine legislation in the Americas Region over the period 1980-2013. Annual vaccine expenditures from thirty-one countries were extracted from the Pan American Health Organization Revolving Fund database. Information on vaccine laws and regulations was provided by the PAHO Family, Gender, and Life Course Unit.

Informational Needs of Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

The patient journey with head and neck cancer (HNC) is particularly challenging given the physical and functional impact of the cancer and treatment. The ability to perform activities of daily living can be severely compromised and have a profound impact on psychosocial well-being. These complex and long-lasting effects can affect patient quality of life for months to years and the literature shows that information for HNC patients is often insufficient.

Patients' experience of receiving radiation treatment for head and neck cancer: Before, during and after treatment.

Most research to date in the area of head and neck cancer has focused on the efficacy of treatment modalities and the assessment and management of treatment side effects and toxicities. Little or no attention has been directed toward understanding patients' experience of receiving radiation treatment for the management of their cancer. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experience of individuals receiving radiation treatment for a cancer of the head and neck.

Advice about Work-Related Issues to Peers and Employers from Head and Neck Cancer Survivors.

Purpose: The purpose of this exploratory and descriptive study is to contribute to the sparse return-to-work literature on head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. Interview participants were asked to reflect upon their work-related experience with cancer by answering two specific questions: (1) What advice would you give someone who has been newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer? (2) What advice would you give to employers of these people?

Methods: Data were gathered through 10 individual semi-structured in-depth interviews with HNC clinic patients at a regional cancer center's head and neck clinic in Ontario, Canada. A constant comparative method of theme development was used.

Prevalence and nature of survivorship needs in patients with head and neck cancer.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the number, type, and predictors of patients with head and neck cancer unmet survivorship needs.

Methods: This study accrued patients with head and neck cancer at any time point in their survivorship course, and they completed a survey, including demographic information and the Cancer Survivors' Unmet Needs Measure (CaSUN).

Results: The median age of the 158 participants was 64 years.

Country Ownership And Gavi Transition: Comprehensive Approaches To Supporting New Vaccine Introduction.

Since the mid-2000s low- and lower-middle-income countries have been focusing on developing and using evidence for immunization policy making, with an increasing emphasis on cost-effectiveness analysis, program costing, and financial flows-particularly for the introduction of newer, more expensive vaccines. While this is critical to informing decisions, countries still need to increase national immunization investment and explore innovative approaches to augment financing of immunization programs. The need for increased financing is especially strong in countries transitioning from support by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Routes Countries Can Take To Achieve Full Ownership Of Immunization Programs.

A goal of the Global Vaccine Action Plan, led by the World Health Organization, is country ownership by 2020, defined here as the point when a country fully finances its routine immunization program with domestic resources. This article reports the progress made toward country ownership in twenty-two lower- and lower-middle-income countries engaged in the Sabin Vaccine Institute's Sustainable Immunization Financing Program. We focus on new practices developed in the key public institutions concerned with immunization financing, budget and resource tracking, and legislation, using case studies as examples.

Evaluating the outcomes of complex nursing initiatives: Insights from the CANO/ACIO National Strategy for Chemotherapy Administration Project.

Because nursing interventions are typically complex and dynamic, evaluating their impact upon care and care systems is a notoriously daunting challenge. Nursing organizations seeking to evaluate the impact of their efforts are frequently frustrated by the gap between the evaluation research ideal and their available resources. In this paper, we describe a practical and manageable process developed to address such an evaluation challenge.

Social Interaction and Collaboration among Oncology Nurses.

Collaboration is a complex process influenced by organizational, professional, interpersonal, and personal factors. Research has demonstrated that collaboration may also be influenced by social factors. Nurses spend much of their time working in collaborative teams, yet little is known about how they socially interact in practice.