Carole Farrell
I want Cancer Nursing Practice and its readers to go from strength to strength
Consultant editor Carole Farrell is leaving her role and wants the journal to thrive
Cancer care services face unprecedented challenges post-pandemic
Many oncology nurses have indicated that they are at breaking point
Needs of bereaved parents following the death of a child or young person from cancer
Parental grief is unlike any other grief and is physically and emotionally overwhelming. About 20-30 young people die each year at a treatment centre following a diagnosis of cancer. Treatment centres strive to provide individualised care to patients and families from the point of diagnosis and into bereavement. Support is often directed by the needs of families, therefore there is no standard. This article describes findings of a literature review of the needs of bereaved parents following the death of a young person between 16 and 25 years. Five themes were identified to summarise the nature of parental grief, preparedness and palliative care experience, relationships and ‘telling the story’, continuing bonds, parents’ needs and adjusting to a new normal. Implications for practice are highlighted by the widespread acknowledgement of the need for individualised and appropriate support during grief, but the literature demonstrates a lack of information regarding this approach to support.
Oral vinorelbine: a practical approach to patient management
Oral vinorelbine has been a well-established cytotoxic treatment for non-small cell lung cancer and metastatic breast cancer since 2004. This article summarises the applications of the drug, the advantages and challenges of using an oral agent in palliative oncology settings and how oral vinorelbine has been used to develop nurse-led services and chemotherapy outside traditional hospital environments. The article includes two case studies to place this treatment in a clinical context.
Oral vinorelbine: a narrative review
The incidence of many cancers is increasing; coupled with a decline in mortality rates ( Cancer Research UK 2017a ) this translates to more people living with and beyond their cancer diagnosis. Cancer is generally viewed as a chronic condition and this is often true for many diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). In advanced/metastatic disease, there is a greater emphasis on promoting patients’ quality of life, and oral treatments can have additional benefits for patients, such as ease of administration, potentially reduced toxicities and fewer hospital visits. Oral vinorelbine was licenced in 2006 for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and MBC. This paper provides a narrative review of evidence from clinical trials, outlining the development and clinical application of oral vinorelbine, including implications for clinical practice and patient care.
See your practice through another nurse's eyes
International nurses are an invaluable tool for workforces. It enables personal development, reflection and revalidates how you feel about your work. Carole Farrell discusses the use of a nursing exchange programme
Prompting early discussions around end of life care
Consultant editor Carole Farrell on the importance of advanced care planning for palliative care.
Evaluating health and well-being interventions for patients with secondary breast cancer
Patients with secondary breast cancer (SBC) may live for many years, but they require continual treatment and monitoring to control the disease. There is less specialist support available for this patient group, therefore funding was secured to improve the health and well-being of patients with SBC and their carers through an information and support day in the company of other patients. This article describes how three information and support events were hosted at the Christie Hospital in Manchester between July 2015 and January 2016, and reports the evaluation results.
A decade of ECMC milestones
Celebrating the pivotal work of the Experimental Cancer Medicines Centres (ECMC) network in the UK.
Peripheral cannulae in oncology: nurses’ confidence and patients’ experiences
The insertion and care of peripheral intravenous cannulae (PIVCs) is a role performed by clinical staff that is fundamental to oncology. Previous research indicates nurses’ confidence and experience could mediate successful first attempt insertion, increasing the longevity of PIVCs and improving the patient experience. The aim of this audit was to provide a snapshot of care and maintenance of PIVCs, patients’ experiences and nurses’ confidence at a specialist cancer hospital. An audit tool assessing PIVC care practices ( n =51) and a patient experience questionnaire ( n =65) were completed. A questionnaire assessing nurses’ confidence and training needs was completed by 36 nurses. The findings raise some concerns about clinical practice when inserting PIVCs and ongoing care, with 80% adherence to cannulation policies. Almost half of insertion procedures failed at the first attempt and 17% of nurses lacked confidence in PIVC insertion and in recognising or responding to common complications. Patient satisfaction was high for ongoing PIVC care (95%), although some reported increased pain and anxiety after PIVC insertion, with some unresolved concerns. The audit highlights several important areas for improvement in relation to PIVC insertion and maintenance and the need for greater adherence to clinical guidelines/policy and additional training were identified.
The invaluable support you can offer your colleagues overseas
Consultant editor Carole Farrell, on how giving support to colleagues overseas can boost morale and play a part in rolling-out better patient care
