ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The length of time from diagnosis of breast cancer to surgery has steadily increased. Consultations and tests, in addition to a lack of available counseling programs, contribute to delays. Evidence suggests that delays between diagnosis and surgery may adversely affect patients. OBJECTIVES: This article examines the effect of time from diagnosis of breast cancer to surgery by requiring nurse navigators to contact the genetic counseling office within 48 hours of the diagnosis to schedule an appointment for the patient as soon as possible. METHODS: Using a quasiexperimental design, data of time from diagnosis to surgery among patients with breast cancer were collected retrospectively preintervention (N = 30) and prospectively postintervention (N = 30). FINDINGS: Time from diagnosis to surgery decreased significantly from pre- (mean = 50.3 days, SD = 22 days) to postintervention (mean = 39 days, SD = 16 days) (t = 2.25, p = 0.03).
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Genetic Counseling , Humans , Female , Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis , Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Breast Neoplasms/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Counseling , Referral and ConsultationABSTRACT
Breakthrough cancer pain (BCP) is a devastating symptom that can occur in individuals with cancer throughout the disease trajectory, particularly in those with advanced cancer. Oncology nurses have a critical role in treating.
Subject(s)
Breakthrough Pain , Cancer Pain , Neoplasms , Breakthrough Pain/diagnosis , Breakthrough Pain/drug therapy , Cancer Pain/therapy , Humans , Neoplasms/complications , Oncology Nursing , OutpatientsABSTRACT
Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a potential immune-related adverse event (irAE) of immunotherapy (e.g., checkpoint inhibitor). If not identified and treated promptly, AI can be life-threatening. Unlike other irAEs, AI may be irreversible, requiring long-term glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement. Provider and patient education are essential in the management of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced AI.
