ABSTRACT
Nurse's role in oncological rehabilitation - A scoping review Abstract. Background: For people with cancer the offer for inpatient or outpatient oncological rehabilitation is more and more increasing. Oncological rehabilitation has an interdisciplinary approach to prepare people with cancer for their life at home. Nurses are part of the interdisciplinary team, but little is known about their special role in this setting. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the role of nurses and their functions in cancer rehabilitation. Methods: A scoping review was conducted. A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE via PubMed and CINAHL, Google Scholar and in reference lists. There was no limitation of publication period. After evaluation of the included publications a thematic analysis was undertaken. Results: All in all, 7 publications (1 qualitative study, 1 editorial book, 1 white paper, 1 article and 3 literature reviews) were included. Through thematic analysis 3 main topics were identified: nurse's role as emotional and psychological support, coach and part of the interdisciplinary team. In addition to general care, they promote self-management, advise and train, carry out symptom management and take on a coordinative function. Conclusion: This scoping review offers a first overview about the role of nurses in oncological rehabilitation. The focus is on preparation of cancer survivors for their new and changed life.
