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Oncology nurses want more studies into using technology in the community

Using technology to manage cancer symptoms at home should be the focus of research, say oncology nurses.
cancer patient

Using technology to manage cancer symptoms at home should be the focus of more research, according to oncology nurses.


Cancer nurses want to know more about how technology helps patients at home 
Photo: iStock

Researchers at the University of Surrey asked 18 patients and 50 oncology nurses what the priorities for studies should be. Patients identified palliative care as their top priority for research, with particular focus on end of life care in the community, in the study published in the Oncology Nursing Forum, and funded by the UK Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS).

Both nurses and patients wanted more studies into psychosocial support and how to improve early diagnosis rates.

UKONS president Richard Henry said: ‘Cancer nurses are at the forefront of care delivery and are acutely aware of those factors that affect and influence care.’

Professor Emma Ream of the University of Surrey said: ‘Too often the voice of cancer patients is unheard, but if services are to improve we should listen to the very people they are affecting.’

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