ABSTRACT
This article provides an overview of the process, development, and evaluation of the Symptom Science Colloquium sponsored by the National Institute of Nursing Research, Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), and National Cancer Institute. This colloquium was the first of its kind to leverage the common goals of these institutes to advance oncology symptom science. Specifically, this article will identify the goals of the agencies involved and synergy in forming this collaboration, review the ONS Research Agenda that provided the blueprint for the colloquium, and offer insights and lessons learned to be used for future planning. The colloquium engaged roughly 500 participants from all levels of clinical (RNs, advanced practice nurses), educational (undergraduate, master's, doctorate), and research (students, faculty, scientists) expertise. Six featured expert speakers and 115 poster presentations focused on the latest research in symptom science, cancer survivorship, palliative and end-of-life care, and hot topics (COVID-19, health disparities). Fourteen networking sessions fostered opportunities to engage with international experts. Special awards emphasized mentee-mentor relationships and exemplary midcareer faculty. Based on this emphasis, the authors provide themes from the successful award applications as exemplars. A summary of participant satisfaction and recommendations for future collaborations to enhance and advance oncology symptom science are provided.
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COVID-19 , Nursing Research , Humans , National Cancer Institute (U.S.) , National Institute of Nursing Research (U.S.) , Oncology Nursing , SARS-CoV-2 , United StatesABSTRACT
Frailty among older adults is common, especially those who have undergone breast cancer treatment;however, we do not know how frailty among this group presented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional study was to examine self-reported frailty among older breast cancer survivors (BCS) during the pandemic. This IRB-approved study recruited BCS who were at least 1-year post-treatment and 60 years of age or older, via online advertisements (e.g., Dr. Susan Love Foundation). BCS completed demographic and Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) RedCap questionnaires from 11/2020 to 05/2021. The TFI, is a 15-item measure with 3 sub-scales with published cut points indicating frailty: total (5), physical (3), psychological (2), and social (2). Descriptive statistics were used. Older BCS (n=203) who were on average 65.5 (SD=4.7) years of age, white (93.6%;n=190) and had stage II breast cancer at diagnosis (39.9%;n=81) participated. The average total (M=5.4, SD=2.5) and physical (M=3.2, SD=1.5) frailty scores were above the threshold for frailty. Overall, 58.6% (n=119) and 63.1% (n=128) scored at or above the threshold on the total and physical sub-scales, respectively. In addition,78.8% (n=160) responded that they ‘missed having people around’ on the social frailty sub-scale. Research has shown that higher TFI scores (more frailty) are associated with increased healthcare utilization, poorer quality of life, and even mortality. Thus, frailty among older BCS is an important health concern within the context of the pandemic. Further research is needed to understand the lasting effects of self-reported frailty for BCS including COVID-19 survivors.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has required nursing innovations to meet patient care needs not previously encountered. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe nursing innovations conceived, implemented, and desired during the first COVID-19 surge. METHODS: The investigators invited registered nurses employed across 16 Midwest hospitals (6,207) to complete the survey. Respondents provided demographics and written descriptions of innovations they conceived, witnessed, and desired. Investigators analyzed text responses using standard content analytic procedures and summarized quantitative demographics using percentages. FINDINGS: Nurses reported seven types of innovations that would (a) improve personal protective equipment (PPE), (b) limit the need to repeatedly don and doff PPE, (c) ensure safer practice, (d) conserve and access supplies, (e) provide patient and family education and support, (f) make team member communication more efficient, and (g) improve peer support. DISCUSSION: Nurses are in a unique position to generate innovative solutions to meet patient care needs under adverse and rapidly changing situations.