Oncology telepractice orientation program.

Telepractice in oncology is an evolving practice for nurses and cancer patients. Understanding the needs of our patients led the nursing leaders of a large academic teaching centre to undertake the challenge of creating a measurable and sustainable Telephone Readiness Assessment and Orientation Program. The experiences of patients and families regarding telephone interactions triggered the launch of Live Voice Answer, a centre-wide telepractice change.

The implementation of a novel patient symptom screening tool: The Odette Cancer Centre (OCC) experience.

Aim: In 2017, as part of a readiness plan for the launch of a novel symptom screening tool for prostate cancer patients, an interprofessional working group was assembled at Odette Cancer Centre (OCC). A provincial Phase II pilot for the tool had stated (based on stakeholder feedback) that there was a need to: "Develop training and resources for patients and clinicians that facilitate the interpretation of patient reported outcomes measures (PROMs) …." With this recommendation in mind, the working group aimed to develop and implement a training and education plan.

Validation of the MENQOL for use with women who have been treated for gynecologic or breast cancer.

Purpose: To conduct a psychometric evaluation of the MENQOL, a condition-specific, self-report instrument to assess menopausal symptoms in women with gynecologic and breast cancers.

Methods: Identify face and content validity of the MENQOL with experts, and reliability and construct validity with a group of women diagnosed with cancer who are suffering from treatment-induced menopause.

Results: Eighty-two women with treatment-induced menopause completed the MENQOL, EORTC-C30, and the SVQ.

A Canadian online survey of oncology nurses' perspectives on the defining characteristics and assessment of breakthrough pain in cancer.

This paper explores oncology nurses' recognition of breakthrough pain in cancer (BTPc), methods they used for identification and assessment, and their perception of the burden to patients. An online questionnaire was distributed to 688 oncology nurses across Canada, and 201 participated. Sixty-four per cent of nurses surveyed reported that 41% to 80% of their patients experience BTPc, but many were unsure of the basic characteristics of the profile of a BTPc episode.

A Canadian online survey of oncology nurses' perspectives on the management of breakthrough pain in cancer (BTPc).

This paper explores Canadian oncology nurses' perception of management of breakthrough pain in cancer (BTPc). An online questionnaire was distributed to 668 oncology nurses across Canada, and 201 participated. More nurses reported that patients used hydromorphone (99.

Experience of young women diagnosed with breast cancer who undergo fertility preservation consultation.

Background: Fertility preservation (FP) is of increasing concern to young patients with breast cancer. The American Society of Clinical Oncology has recommended referral to a reproductive specialist as early as possible before beginning systemic adjuvant therapy.

Aim: To gather information from young patients with breast cancer about their experiences with FP referral, consultation, and decision making.