Infusing Swanson's Theory of caring into an advanced practice nursing model for an infectious diseases anal dysplasia clinic.

The incidence of anal cancer is increasing among HIV-infected men and women. The process of screening for anal dysplasia and the management of abnormal findings are currently and most often based on a medical model. The needs of these patients, however, go well beyond medical care. A more comprehensive and holistic approach to health care is, therefore, required. Given the scope of practice of advanced practice nurses who are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with anal dysplasia, it is appropriate for them to assume leadership roles in addressing the needs of these patients. This article describes the application of a theory of caring to create an advanced practice nursing model of care for HIV-infected men and women in infectious diseases anal dysplasia clinics.

Improving anal cancer screening in an ambulatory HIV clinic: experience from a quality improvement initiative.

Evidence suggests that persons living with HIV (PLWH) are at increased risk for anal cancer. Early detection of anal cancer is an important prevention measure, but screening rates have been low. This report describes the experience of a quality improvement initiative to increase anal cancer screening at an HIV-specialty clinic. Chart reviews were conducted for three time periods: baseline year, prior to program discussion; transition year, during planning; and implementation year, during program availability. Odds ratios using Fisher's exact test showed that the odds of receiving anal cancer screening increased significantly in the transition year, odds ratio (OR) = 2.859, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.798; 4.546], Fisher's z = 4.40, p < 0.0001, and in the implementation year, OR = 7.446, 95% CI: [4.783; 11.588], Fisher's z > 8.2, p < 0.0001. Patients and clinicians reported high levels of satisfaction with the program. Referring clinicians were also more likely to discuss anal cancer screening.