Testing the acceptability and feasibility of a tablet-based supportive cancer platform for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Background: Although metastatic breast cancer (MBC) survival is improving, symptoms remain a significant burden. Returning to a cancer center for symptom management can be challenging. Technology-enabled supportive care platforms are worth exploration.

An Interprofessional Curriculum to Advance Relational Coordination and Professionalism in Early-Career Practitioners.

Introduction: We created a curriculum to help new physicians and nurses develop skills in interprofessional collaboration. This modular, team-based curriculum for early practitioners delivered training in the five following skill areas: listening for meaning, soliciting another's perspective, negotiating a transparent plan of care, attending to nonverbal communication and microaggression, and speaking up the hierarchy.

Methods: We brought first-year medical and surgical residents and new nurses together for a 2-hour session monthly for 5 months.

Breast Cancer Surgery Decision-Making and African-American Women.

Prior research has used focus group methodology to investigate cultural factors impacting the breast cancer experience of women of various ethnicities including African-Americans; however, this work has not specifically addressed treatment decision-making. This study identifies key issues faced by African-American women diagnosed with breast cancer regarding treatment decisions. We used an interpretive-descriptive study design based on qualitative data from three focus groups (n = 14) representing a population of African-American women in central Pennsylvania.

Screening for psychological distress in surgical breast cancer patients.

Background: This pilot study assessed the levels of patient emotional distress and impact on clinic throughput time.

Methods: From April through August 2012, 149 breast cancer patients at the Penn State Hershey Breast Center were screened with the emotions thermometer (ET), a patient-rated visual 0-10 scale that measures distress, anxiety, depression, anger, burden, and need for help. Also, patients indicated their most pressing cancer-related concerns.

Shared decision making in breast cancer: national practice patterns of surgeons.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess national practices of surgeons who treat breast cancer in order to identify opportunities to improve patient education.

Methods: In June 2012, the membership of the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) (n = 2,818) was surveyed via email questionnaire to evaluate their current practice of shared decision making and informed consent for breast cancer patients.

Results: A total of 737 members (26 %) responded, including 384 breast surgeons and 306 general surgeons, 13 midlevel providers, and 25 other specialists.

Adaptation of an evidence-based intervention for Appalachian women: new STEPS (Strength Through Education, Physical fitness and Support) for breast health.

Appalachia is characterized by a high prevalence of individual-level risks for breast cancer, including physical inactivity and postmenopausal obesity. The availability of local, evidence-based programs to improve physical fitness is limited. We adapted an evidence-based intervention, StrongWomen, to improve physical fitness and increase breast cancer knowledge among women 40 years and older in Appalachian Pennsylvania.