Effectiveness of the socioecological informed contextual treatment summary and care plan (TSSCP-P, Brazil) for breast cancer survivors: a randomized, controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an intervention using the Treatment Summary and Survivorship Care Plan (TSSCP-P) on self-efficacy and quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer survivors. METHOD: A clinical study, randomized and controlled, conducted to assess self-efficacy and QOL in breast cancer survivors. The participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received individualized nursing consultations guided by the TSSCP-P, while the control group received standard care. Self-efficacy and QoL were assessed at three evaluation moments using validated scales: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Plus Anm Morbidity (FACT B + 4) and Perceived General Self-Efficacy Scale. Statistical analyses, including regression analysis and hypothesis tests, were conducted to examine the effects of the intervention on self-efficacy and QoL. RESULTS: Female breast cancer survivors (N = 101) were recruited. The intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in self-efficacy over time compared to the control group (p = 0.01). However, no significant differences were observed in the overall QoL scores between the two groups. Subscale analysis revealed a significant improvement in physical well-being for the intervention group (p = 0.04), while emotional well-being showed a non-significant improvement (p = 0.07). The study suggests that individualized care plans and support strategies, such as the TSSCP-P, can positively influence breast cancer survivors' self-efficacy and certain aspects of their QoL. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the potential benefits of the TSSCP-P intervention in enhancing self-efficacy among breast cancer survivors. However, further research is needed to explore its impact on overall QoL and its effectiveness across different stages of breast cancer, as well as with longer follow-up periods. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC- RBR-2m7qkjy; UTN code: U1111-1257-3560), registered in April 19th, 2022.

Communication between parents diagnosed with cancer and their children: study with data triangulation.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the perceptions and feelings of parents diagnosed with cancer in relation to communication with their children between 3 and 12 years old. METHOD: A cross-sectional, multicenter, with data triangulation, through structured and semi-structured interviews, with a question with a Semantic Differential Scale, carried out with the father or mother with cancer undergoing outpatient treatment in two hospital institutions in the city of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, content analysis, using the ATLAS.ti 8.0R software and the Social Representation Theory. RESULTS: Forty-three respondents participated, 37 (86.0%) were female, 23 (53.5%) aged between 31 and 50 years old, 29 (67.5%) with only children between 7 and 12 years old. The experience was considered painful (73.1%), stressful (53.6%), clear (53.7%) and safe (51.2%). The feelings experienced generated two categories: Trial by fire; and Grateful rewards. Children's reactions from parents' perspective generated the categories: Sadness and suffering; Trust and support; Change of behavior; and Denial or insensitivity. CONCLUSION: Communication was assessed as negative and conflicting, positive and welcoming, and causing changes in children's behaviors.

Communication between parents diagnosed with cancer and their children: study with data triangulation / Comunicación entre padres diagnosticados con cáncer y sus hijos: estudio con triangulación de datos / Comunicação entre pais diagnosticados com câncer e seus filhos: estudo com triangulação de dados

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the perceptions and feelings of parents diagnosed with cancer in relation to communication with their children between 3 and 12 years old. Method: A cross-sectional, multicenter, with data triangulation, through structured and semi-structured interviews, with a question with a Semantic Differential Scale, carried out with the father or mother with cancer undergoing outpatient treatment in two hospital institutions in the city of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, content analysis, using the ATLAS.ti 8.0R software and the Social Representation Theory. Results: Forty-three respondents participated, 37 (86.0%) were female, 23 (53.5%) aged between 31 and 50 years old, 29 (67.5%) with only children between 7 and 12 years old. The experience was considered painful (73.1%), stressful (53.6%), clear (53.7%) and safe (51.2%). The feelings experienced generated two categories: Trial by fire; and Grateful rewards. Children's reactions from parents' perspective generated the categories: Sadness and suffering; Trust and support; Change of behavior; and Denial or insensitivity. Conclusion: Communication was assessed as negative and conflicting, positive and welcoming, and causing changes in children's behaviors.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Caracterizar las percepciones y sentimientos de padres diagnosticados con cáncer en relación a la comunicación con sus hijos entre 3 y 12 años. Método: Transversal, multicéntrico, con triangulación de datos, mediante entrevistas estructuradas y semiestructuradas, con una pregunta con Escala Diferencial Semántica, realizadas con el padre o la madre con cáncer en tratamiento ambulatorio en dos instituciones hospitalarias de la ciudad de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil. Los datos fueron analizados mediante estadística descriptiva, análisis de contenido, utilizando el software ATLAS.ti 8.0R y la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales. Resultados: Participaron 43 encuestados, 37 (86,0%) eran del sexo femenino, 23 (53,5%) con edades entre 31 y 50 años, 29 (67,5%) con hijos únicos entre 7 y 12 años. La experiencia fue considerada dolorosa (73,1%), estresante (53,6%), clara (53,7%) y segura (51,2%). Los sentimientos vividos generaron dos categorías: Prueba de fuego; y recompensa agradecida. Las reacciones de los niños, desde la perspectiva de los padres, generaron las categorías: Tristeza y sufrimiento; Confianza y apoyo; Cambio de comportamiento; y Negación o insensibilidad. Conclusión: La comunicación fue evaluada como negativa y conflictiva, positiva y acogedora, y provoca cambios en las conductas de los niños.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar as percepções e os sentimentos dos pais diagnosticados pelo câncer em relação à comunicação com seus filhos entre 3 e 12 anos. Método: Transversal, multicêntrico, com triangulação de dados, por meio de entrevistas estruturadas e semiestruturadas, com uma pergunta com Escala de Diferencial Semântico, realizadas com o pai ou a mãe com câncer em tratamento ambulatorial em duas instituições hospitalares da cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil. Os dados foram analisados por meio da estatística descritiva, análise de conteúdo, utilizando o software ATLAS.ti 8.0R e a Teoria das Representações Sociais. Resultados: Participaram 43 respondentes, sendo 37 (86,0%) do sexo feminino, 23 (53,5%) com idades entre 31 e 50 anos, 29 (67,5%) com filho único entre 7 e 12 anos. A experiência foi considerada dolorosa (73,1%), estressante (53,6%), clara (53,7%) e segura (51,2%). Os sentimentos vivenciados geraram duas categorias: Prova de fogo; e Grata recompensa. As reações dos filhos, na perspectiva dos pais, geraram as categorias: Tristeza e sofrimento; Confiança e apoio; Mudança de comportamento; e Negação ou insensibilidade. Conclusão: A comunicação foi avaliada como negativa e conflituosa, positiva e acolhedora, e causadora de mudanças nos comportamentos dos filhos.

Analysis of evaluations performed by undergraduate nursing alumni: a Brazilian multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare evaluations performed by undergraduate nursing alumni in three dimensions: sociodemographic characterization, identification and insertion into the job market, and professional training evaluation. METHODS: Cross-sectional, quantitative, and multicenter study with alumni of three Brazilian public institutions. Data analysis was carried out according to the internal reliability of the used instrument and by applying descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The participants were 446 alumni who obtained their degrees from 2013 to 2016. Most were women, white (44%) or brown (38%), and were between 25 and 30 years old. Most had a specialization degree or were studying to obtain one (54%), had a paid occupation (89%), and were employed by a single institution (60%), with the care area prevailing (57%) in the sample. High levels of satisfaction were found among alumni of two institutions in the evaluation of content learning and essential experiences for training, whereas the other institution obtained better evaluations regarding professional practice. CONCLUSION: The profile of academic experiences, graduate education, and entry into the job market varied according to the evaluated institution. The findings favored critical-reflective analysis of the institutions' pedagogical projects.

Pandemia de Covid-19 e atendimento especializado em oncologia: relato de experiência / Pandemia de Covid-19 y la atención especializada en oncología: relato de experiencia / The COVID-19 pandemic and specialized oncology care: An experience report

Resumo Introdução A pandemia de Covid-19 trouxe muitos desafios para a assistência oncológica, gerando novos desenhos operacionais nas esferas da gestão e da assistência. Objetivo Descrever experiências de implantação de processos administrativos e assistenciais de instituições prestadoras de atendimento oncológico durante a pandemia da Covid-19. Método Relato de caso, descritivo, qualitativo. As experiências contidas nos relatos compreendem o período de 05 de março a 31 de janeiro de 2021. Os relatos são provenientes de instituições distintas do município de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil. Resultados Os 3 relatos descrevem ações como: triagem dos pacientes para a incorporação de estratégias de telemedicina e tele-enfermagem; preparação de ambientes livres de Covid-19 para a segurança de profissionais e pacientes; reforço às ações educativas na geração de conhecimentos e adoção de comportamentos seguros para equipes de saúde e pacientes, entre outras. Discussão Os relatos descreveram como eixo comum a implementação de ações para viabilizar a segurança dos pacientes, dos profissionais e do meio ambiente, bem como a continuidade da assistência oncológica. A literatura científica e as recomendações dos conselhos, sociedades e organizações foram subsidiárias das medidas instituídas. Conclusão O ineditismo da situação de isolamento social devido ao risco da disseminação da COVID-19 demonstrou-se um campo fecundo para a incorporação de novas estratégias de gestão e assistência em Oncologia. Perdas e danos certamente ocorrerão no processo de assistência oncológica na vigência desta pandemia. Neste contexto, o mapeamento da queda de diagnósticos de câncer bem como das interrupções de tratamento é fundamental para mitigação de suas consequências.

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges to oncology care, leading to the implementation of new operational models in health management and care. Objective To describe the experiences related to the implementation of health management and care models in cancer treatment centers during the COVID-19 outbreak. Materials and Methods A qualitative descriptive case report was conducted including experiences from March 5 to January 31, 2021. Reports were provided by different cancer treatment centers in São Paulo, Brazil. Results Actions such as identification of patients eligible for telemedicine and telenursing strategies, preparation of COVID-19-free environments for healthcare professionals and patients, and support for educational actions to increase knowledge and adoption of safety behavior for healthcare professionals and patients were observed in the three reports. Discussion A common element described in the reports is the implementation of actions to improve the safety of healthcare professionals, patients and the environment, as well as the continuity of cancer care. Scientific literature and recommendations of advisory boards, associations and organizations were supplementary to the measures applied. Conclusions Social distancing due to the risk of COVID-19 spread proved to a successful field for the introduction of new health management and care in cancer treatment. Although there will certainly be loss and damage to cancer treatment processes during this pandemic, mapping the drop in cancer diagnosis, as well as treatment interruptions, is essential to mitigate any consequences.

Resumen Introducción La pandemia de Covid-19 trajo muchos desafíos para la atención oncológica, generando nuevos diseños operativos en las esferas de gestión y atención. Objetivo Describir las experiencias de implementación de procesos administrativos y de atención de instituciones proveedoras de atención oncológica durante la pandemia de Covid-19. Métodos Reporte de caso, descriptivo, cualitativo. Las experiencias del reporte cubren el período del 5 de marzo al 31 de enero de 2021. Los informes provienen de diferentes instituciones en el municipio de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil. Resultados Los 3 reportes describen acciones tales como: detección de pacientes para las estrategias de telemedicina y tele enfermería; preparación de entornos libres de Covid-19 para la seguridad de profesionales y pacientes; refuerzo de acciones educativas para generación de conocimiento y adopción de comportamientos seguros para profesionales y pacientes, entre otros. Discusión Los reportes describen como eje común la implementación de acciones para la seguridad de los pacientes, los profesionales y el medio ambiente, así como la continuidad de la atención oncológica. La literatura científica, las recomendaciones de consejos, sociedades y organizaciones fueron subsidiarias de las medidas instituidas. Conclusión La novedad del confinamiento social debido al riesgo de propagación de COVID-19 demostró ser un campo fructífero para la incorporación de nuevas estrategias de gestión y asistencia oncológica. Ciertamente, habrá pérdidas y daños en el proceso de atención oncológica durante esta pandemia. En este contexto, el mapeo de la caída del diagnóstico de cáncer, así como de las interrupciones del tratamiento, es esencial para mitigar sus consecuencias.

Fatores sociodemográficos, clínicos e psicossociais correlacionados ao autocuidado em diabetes / Sociodemographic, clinical and psychosocial factors related to diabetes self-care / Factores sociodemográficos, clínicos y psicosociales relacionados con el autocuidado de la diabetes

Resumo Introdução Apesar de haver elucidação científica sobre diversos fatores intervenientes na adesão ao autocuidado em diabetes, lacunas ainda existem, principalmente em relação aos comportamentos de autocuidado entre pessoas com perfis socioeconômicos distintos. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar a adesão ao autocuidado em diabetes e correlações com fatores sociodemográficos, clínicos e psicossociais, entre usuários do sistema de saúde suplementar, em São Paulo. Materiais e Métodos Estudo transversal, com 214 participantes com diabetes tipo 2, que utilizou as versões brasileiras dos: The Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities; Diabetes Attitudes Questionnaire e Diabetes Empowerment Scale. Utilizou-se um modelo de regressão múltipla (método Stepwise Backward) para delinear as correlações entre as variáveis. Resultados Os participantes revelaram adesão moderada ao autocuidado global. Ser mulher, casada/em união estável, aposentada, com maior tempo de diagnóstico e atitude mais positiva frente o diabetes explicaram 93,0% da variância do autocuidado global. Discussão O estudo é inédito ao caracterizar o autocuidado em diabetes entre usuários do sistema de saúde suplementar no Brasil. Os resultados semelhantes a estudos nacionais e internacionais sugerem que, dada a complexidade da doença, o autocuidado com o diabetes é constantemente negligenciado e requer maior capacitação dos profissionais de saúde para lidar com os aspectos psicossociais associados. Conclusão Os resultados sugerem que as intervenções educativas para promover o autocuidado sejam desenhadas levando em consideração o perfil sociodemográfico e clínico dos participantes e considerem a promoção da autoeficácia para diminuir a atitude negativa frente o diabetes.

Abstract Introduction Although science has discovered several factors involved in diabetes self-care, there are still some gaps especially regarding self-care behaviors among people with different socioeconomic statuses. The objective of this study is to identify adherence to diabetes self-care and its correlation with sociodemographic, clinical and psychosocial factors among users of the supplementary health system in Sao Paulo. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 214 participants who had type 2 diabetes by using the Brazilian versions of the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Measure, Diabetes Attitudes Scale and Diabetes Empowerment Scale. A multiple linear regression model (backward stepwise regression) was used to delineate the correlations between variables. Results Participants showed moderate adherence to general self-care. Factors such as being a woman, being married/in a stable union, being retired, having been diagnosed for a longer time and showing a more positive attitude towards diabetes explained 93.0% of the variance in general self-care. Discussion This is an unprecedented study in the characterization of diabetes self-care among users of the supplementary health system in Brazil. Although the results are similar to those of national and international studies, they suggest that, given the complexity of the disease, diabetes self-care is constantly neglected and more training is required among healthcare professionals to address related psychosocial factors. Conclusions The results suggest that educational interventions for the promotion of diabetes self-care should be developed taking into account the sociodemographic and clinical profile of the participants, as well as the promotion of self-efficacy to decrease negative attitudes towards diabetes.

Resumen Introducción Aunque la ciencia ha descubierto diversos factores que intervienen en el autocuidado de la diabetes, todavía quedan algunos vacíos sobre todo en lo que respecta a los comportamientos de autocuidado entre personas con diferentes características socioeconómicas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar la adherencia al autocuidado de la diabetes y su correlación con factores sociodemográficos, clínicos y psicosociales entre los usuarios del sistema de salud suplementaria en Sao Paulo. Materiales y métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal con 214 participantes que padecían diabetes tipo 2, en el que se utilizaron las versiones brasileñas del cuestionario de actividades de autocuidado en diabetes, el cuestionario de actitudes sobre diabetes y la escala de empoderamiento de la diabetes. Se empleó un modelo de regresión lineal múltiple (método regresión stepwise) para delinear las correlaciones entre las variables. Resultados Los participantes mostraron una adherencia moderada al autocuidado global. Factores como ser mujer, estar casado/en unión libre estable, ser jubilado, tener más tiempo de diagnóstico y mostrar una actitud más positiva frente a la diabetes explicaron el 93.0% de la varianza en el autocuidado global. Discusión El estudio es inédito en la caracterización del autocuidado de la diabetes entre los usuarios del sistema de salud complementaria en Brasil. Si bien los resultados son similares a los de estudios nacionales e internacionales, estos se sugieren que, dada la complejidad de la enfermedad, el autocuidado de la diabetes se descuida constantemente y se requiere una mayor formación entre los profesionales de la salud para tratar los aspectos psicosociales asociados. Conclusión Los resultados sugieren que las intervenciones educativas para la promoción del autocuidado deben diseñarse teniendo en cuenta el perfil sociodemográfico y clínico de los participantes, así como la promoción de la autoeficacia para disminuir la actitud negativa hacia la diabetes.

Cancer care in the COVID-19 era and psychosocial impacts on oncology nursing in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Globally, Brazil has the third highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and the second highest number of deaths related to COVID-19 at the time of writing. Maintaining cancer care has been a challenge for patient safety and for the physical and mental health of oncology nurses. OBJECTIVES: To describe which effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care could already be evaluated and to identify the psychosocial impact on cancer nurses in Brazil. METHOD: Reflective, analytical, qualitative study. RESULTS: Although the Brazilian cancer care policy has reached important achievements in overcoming access barriers to cancer diagnosis and treatment over the past decade, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused losses of timely access to health services for patients with cancer, which has compromised screening, early diagnosis and treatment, and patient follow-up. Oncology nurses have actively participated in the management and assistance strategies during the pandemic. This path has generated an increase in oncology nurses' workload, leading to physical and mental stress and anxiety related to the fear of contagion for themselves and their family. CONCLUSION: The pandemic has affected the care of cancer patients, with the potential to suffer greater losses because of reductions in screening, early diagnosis and treatment, and patient follow-up. In addition to the worsening of the cancer setting, the COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed Brazilian oncology nurses, physically and mentally.

Association between chemotherapy toxicity risk scores and physical symptoms among older Brazilian adults with cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Utilizing the Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG) chemotherapy toxicity risk score before starting treatment in older adults with cancer is guideline-recommended. However, this has not been tested in most developing countries. We investigated the use of a Portuguese version of the CARG score, including the association between this score and physical symptoms, among older Brazilian adults with cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled patients aged ≥65 starting chemotherapy at a public Brazilian hospital. A Portuguese version of the CARG tool was created and linguistically validated. Patients were assessed for chemotherapy toxicity risk using the CARG score, and physical symptoms were evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-General (FACT-G) scale. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify physical symptoms associated with high CARG scores, including pain, nausea, and fatigue. RESULTS: Older patients (65+) with cancer were enrolled (n = 117). Patients were mostly female (57.3%), white (52.1%), married (52.1%), and had less than high school education (75.2%). Breast, gastrointestinal and lung cancers were the most common diagnosis, and 66.7% had metastatic disease. Elevated pain scores (P < .01) were associated with higher chemotherapy toxicity risk scores, even after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSION: We created and implemented a Portuguese language version of the CARG tool. We found that, although physical symptoms are not included in the CARG model, elevated pain was strongly associated with having a high CARG score. As a modifiable risk factor, pain should be addressed among older patients with cancer considering chemotherapy, to help mitigate their risks for toxicity.

Biopsychosocial needs of survivors of testicular cancer and evidence of validation of a brief scale / Necessidades biopsicossociais de sobreviventes de câncer de testículo e evidência de validação de escala breve

The favorable prognosis of testicular cancer does not minimize immediate and late biopsychosocial implications. This study sought to determine these needs, and to evaluate the evidence of validation of a brief and specific scale for this population. A sample of 29 survivors of testicular cancer (n = 29) was assessed for distress (Distress Thermometer), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), quality of life and cognitive impairment (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-General and Cognitive Function), and specific needs (Cancer Assessment for Young Adults-Testicular). It was observed a high prevalence of distress (41.4%), a low prevalence of anxiety (6.9%) and depression (6.9%), and a moderate impact on quality of life and cognition. Self-image and sexual function were the most preponderant problems. The evidence of validation of Cancer Assessment for Young Adults-Testicular12 was verified in the psychometric analysis. Notably, biopsychosocial needs identified on global scales, and particularly in Cancer Assessment for Young Adults-Testicular12, assisted in understanding these specificities and in therapeutic planning.

O prognóstico favorável do câncer de testículo não minimiza as implicações biopsicossociais imediatas e tardias. Este estudo objetiva determinar essas necessidades e avaliar a evidência de validação de escala breve e específica para essa população. Uma amostra de 29 pacientes sobreviventes de câncer de testículo foi avaliada quanto ao distress (Termômetro de Distress), ansiedade e depressão (Escala de Ansiedade e Depressão), qualidade de vida e prejuízo cognitivo (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-General e Cognitive Function) e demandas específicas (Cancer Assessment for Young Adults-Testicular12). Observou-se alta prevalência de distress (41,4%), baixa prevalência de ansiedade (6,9%) e depressão (6,9%) e moderado impacto na qualidade de vida e cognição. Autoimagem e função sexual foram os problemas mais preponderantes. A evidência de validação do Cancer Assessment for Young Adults-Testicular12 foi constatada na avaliação psicométrica. Notavelmente, as necessidades biopsicossociais identificadas nas escalas globais e, particularmente no Cancer Assessment for Young Adults-Testicular12, auxiliaram no entendimento dessas especificidades e no planejamento terapêutico.

Assessment of distress and quality of life in rare cancers.

OBJECTIVE: Rare cancers are a heterogeneous group of conditions that can be associated with emotional and physical impairments. In view of the dearth of research in this area, we investigated the quality of life and prevalence of distress in a cohort of patients diagnosed with a rare cancer, classified by the RARECARE definition. METHODS: A cohort of rare cancer patients, treated in a Brazilian public cancer center, was assessed for distress (Distress Thermometer), anxiety/depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General Version). Descriptive statistics were generated, and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with distress, anxiety/depression, and quality of life. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients (52.6% male, mean age of 50 years; range 18-90) were identified. Nearly half (49.6%) of patients reported high levels of distress, with 19.7% endorsing anxiety and 15.3% depression. In multivariate analysis, demographic and clinical variables associated with worse psychosocial outcomes included younger age (P < 0.05), female gender (P < 0.01), advanced disease stage (P < 0.01), and engagement in active therapy (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients diagnosed with rare cancer reported poorer psychosocial outcomes and impaired quality of life when compared to the general population of cancer patients. Certain demographic groups (eg, women and younger patients) may benefit from targeted psychosocial interventions.

Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Can Guide and Improve Oncology Providers' Training in Brazil.

PURPOSE: It has become crucial to translate scientific findings and to find ways by which to mobilize local resources to improve the quality and accessibility of cancer care in developing countries. This study seeks to provide insight into challenge through examining differences in clinician documentation of patients with cancer treated at a Brazilian Public University Hospital. METHODS: ASCO Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) measures were used to examine the care provided in the departments of breast, colorectal, lymphoma, gynecology, and lung cancers. For this study, data from a representative sample of patients receiving chemotherapy in the previous month were extracted and quality of cancer care indicators examined. RESULTS: Certain elements of medical care were consistently and appropriately documented, including cancer diagnosis and stage, chemotherapy planning, administration, and summary. In general, considering the specific cancer management measures, patients received recommended care in accordance with recognized guidelines. Despite this, a number of important gaps in care were identified, including the assessment and treatment of pain, documentation of chemotherapy intention, symptom and toxicity management, patients' psychosocial status, and provision of a treatment summary at care completion. CONCLUSION: These findings are encouraging in terms of adherence to core treatment guidelines in cancer care in Brazil. However, results suggest important opportunities for improving care across a number of domains, many of which represent a challenge throughout both developing and developed countries. This study may also provide preliminary guidance for enhancing educational and training programs for professionals and students alike, to implement high-quality, comprehensive cancer care.

Association of demographic, economic and clinical variables in daily activities and symptoms presented by patients in cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between demographic, economic and clinical variables, cancer symptoms, and daily life interference in patients receiving cancer treatment in Brazil. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 268 patients were assessed. A questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic, economic and clinical variables, and the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory was used to assess cancer symptoms. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate descriptive statistics. FINDINGS: The following variables were associated with higher symptom scores: female sex (prevalence ratio [PR]=1.28; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.06-1.53), illiteracy or ≤ 9 years of formal education (PR=1.40; 95% CI 1.08-1.82), clinical equipment or situations that requiring nursing care (PR=1.23; 95% CI 1.03-1.46), and family history of cancer (PR=1.23; 95% CI 1.04-1.45). Daily life interference was associated with female sex (PR=1.40; 95% CI 1.12-1.75), secondary tumour (PR=1.42; 95% CI 1.16-1.74) and radiotherapy (PR=1.24; 95% CI 1.01-1.51). CONCLUSION: Management of cancer patients requires multidisciplinary knowledge, taking into consideration all the subjective dimensions of the patients. Knowing the profile of patients most strongly affected by symptoms will help them face the limitations and consequences of the disease and its treatment.

Virtual Learning Environment in Continuing Education for Nursing in Oncology: an Experimental Study.

Nurses working in oncology require continuing education and nowadays distance education is a possibility. To compare learning outcomes of the professionals participating in classroom learning versus distance learning; describing the sociodemographic characteristics and digital fluency of participants; comparing learning outcomes with independent variables; assessing the adequacy of educational practices in Virtual Environment Moodle Learning through the constructivist online learning environment survey. An experimental, randomized controlled study; conducted at the A C Camargo Cancer Center, located in São Paulo, SP, Brazil. The study included 97 nurses, with average training of 1 to 2 years. A control group (n = 44) had face to face training and the experiment group (n = 53) had training by distance learning, both with identical program content. The dependent variable was the result of learning, measured by applying a pre-assessment questionnaire and post-intervention for both groups. The sociodemographic and digital fluency data were uniform among the groups. The performance of both groups was statistically significant (p 0.005), and the control group had a greater advantage (40.4 %). Distance education has proven to be an effective alternative for training nurses, especially when they have more complex knowledge, more experience in the area and institutional time. Distance Education may be a possibility for the training of nurses for work in oncology. The association of age, training time and the institution, and the experience in Oncology interfered in the performance of both groups.

Evaluation of Learning in Oncology of Undergraduate Nursing with the Use of Concept Mapping.

This study aims to identify whether the use of concept mapping (CM) strategy assists a student to extend and revise their expertise in oncology and analyze the abilities developed in a student in order to go through theoretical to practical knowledge. This study is descriptive and qualitative, with 20 undergraduate students of the Undergraduate Nursing Course of Paulista School of Nursing of Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil. The critical incident technique and content analysis were used. There were 12 categories represented by facilities, difficulties, and learning applicability in oncology provided by CM strategy during the surgical and clinical nursing discipline. The graphics resource, CMapTools®, and the clinical case data arranged in mapping for resolution generated an active search and exercise of self-learning in oncology. Despite the challenges of the use of CM as a teaching strategy-pedagogical, the results suggested an increase of autonomy and clinical reasoning in nursing practice.

[Social support perceived by cancer patients and its relation with social and demographic characteristics]. / Apoio social percebido por pacientes oncológicos e sua relação com as características sociodemográficas.

To analyze the relation between social support and socio-demographic characteristics of oncology patients. Transversal study, developed with oncology patients living in the Ijut city, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil between July and December 2012, the population was selected through convenience. For data collection we used the Brazilian version of the Social Support Scale and the Medical Outcomes Study data were analyzed with descriptive statistics resources and analytical. Average scores on the dimensions were: 82.36 +/- 24.42 (positive interaction), 85.39 +/- 19.81 (information), 87.98 +/- 18.68 (emotional support), 88.52 +/- 18.56 (material support) and 93.50 +/- 14.44 (affective support). Evidences showed higher averages in male mulattos patients (p < 0.05). There was a direct and growing relationship between per capita income, social support and affective positive interaction. It was proven that patients receive social support in all dimensions, with high scores, but with variations, considering the characteristics of gender, civil status, educational level, per capita income and race.

Intervenção educativa para o automonitoramento da drenagem contínua no pós-operatório de mastectomia / Educational intervention for self-management of continuous drainage in the postoperative period of mastectomy / Intervención educativa para el automonitoreo del drenaje continuo en el posoperatorio de mastectomía

Trata-se de um estudo de intervenção educativa desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho de pacientes submetidas à cirurgia por câncer de mama, no automonitoramento do sistema de drenagem contínua. Foi realizado no Ambulatório de Mastologia do Hospital São Paulo da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, entre maio de 2009 e março de 2010, após aprovação pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa dessa instituição. Participaram 79 mulheres que realizaram cirurgia por câncer de mama e portadoras do dreno. A intervenção constou de: aula e simulação do manejo do sistema de drenagem contínua, avaliação do desempenho e reforço das orientações. Constatou-se que o treinamento com foco no autocuidado exercido pelas pacientes, bem como a estratégia utilizada influenciaram favoravelmente o automonitoramento do sistema de drenagem contínua, propiciando a prevenção de obstrução do mesmo, evidenciada pelo percentual de pacientes que mantiveram a perviedade do sistema (84,2%).

This study assessed how well patients who had undergone breast cancer surgery monitored their continuous drainage system after receiving one-to-one instructions at the Mastology Outpatient Clinic of Hospital São Paulo at Federal University of São Paulo. Participants were 79 women who had undergone breast cancer surgery between May 2009 and March 2010, and were using a drain. It was found that the self-care training that the patients received, in addition to the strategy used in that training, had a positive effect on their self-monitoring of the continuous drainage, which prevented the drain from clogging, evinced by the percentage of patients who maintained the permeability of the drainage system (84.2%).

El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el desempeño de pacientes sometidas a cirugía por cáncer de mama, en lo que respecta al automonitoreo del sistema de drenaje continuo, después de haber pasado por acción educativa individualizada, con apoyo de manual instructivo. Se trata de un estudio de intervención educativa, realizado en el Ambulatorio de Mastología del Hospital São Paulo, de la Universidad Federal de São Paulo, de mayo de 2009 a marzo de 2010, previamente aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación de la institución. Participaron 79 mujeres sometidas a cirugía por cáncer de la mama y portadoras de dreno. Se constató que el entrenamiento direccionado al autocuidado realizado por las pacientes, así como la estrategia educativa utilizada, influenciaron positivamente el automonitoreo del sistema de drenaje continuo, propiciando la prevención de la obstrucción, evidenciada por el porcentaje de pacientes que mantuvieron el sistema desobstruido (84,8%).

[Educational intervention for self-management of continuous drainage in the postoperative period of mastectomy]. / Intervenção educativa para o automonitoramento da drenagem contínua no pós-operatório de mastectomia.

This study assessed how well patients who had undergone breast cancer surgery monitored their continuous drainage system after receiving one-to-one instructions at the Mastology Outpatient Clinic of Hospital São Paulo at Federal University of São Paulo. Participants were 79 women who had undergone breast cancer surgery between May 2009 and March 2010, and were using a drain. It was found that the self-care training that the patients received in addition to the strategy used in that training, had a positive effect on their self-monitoring of the continuous drainage, which prevented the drain from clogging, evinced by the percentage of patients who maintained the permeability of the drainage system (84.2%).

[Software CMAP TOOLS ™ to build concept maps: an evaluation by nursing students]. / Software CMAP TOOLS® para a construção de mapas conceituais: a avaliação dos estudantes de enfermagem.

Concept mapping (CM) is a teaching strategy that can be used to solve clinical cases, but the maps are difficult to write. The objective of this study was to describe the challenges and contributions of the Cmap Tools® software in building concept maps to solve clinical cases. To do this, a descriptive and qualitative method was used with junior nursing students from the Federal University of São Paulo. The teaching strategy was applied and the data were collected using the focal group technique. The results showed that the software facilitates and guarantees the organization, visualization, and correlation of the data, but there are difficulties related to the handling of its tools initially. In conclusion, the formatting and auto formatting resources of Cmap Tools® facilitated the construction of concept maps; however, orientation strategies should be implemented for the initial stage of the software utilization.