"I can't sleep!": gathering the evidence for an innovative intervention for insomnia in cancer patients.

Sleep-wake disturbances, in particular insomnia, are experienced by 30%-75% of oncology patients, yet no effective interventions have been designed to address this distressing symptom in the ambulatory setting. In response to an identified gap in care, I share the development and evaluation of an innovative sleep intervention designed specifically for the ambulatory setting. Preliminary findings, as well as an informative blueprint for conducting point-of-care research, are described. As a "bedside" nurse it is possible and within our moral imperative and social justice mandate to take action to find evidence-informed solutions to improve care for populations of patients experiencing gaps in care. The "I" used throughout the article refers to the lead author Surya.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in advanced cancer: a systematic review.

This systematic review synthesizes knowledge about the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among advanced cancer patients. EBSCO and Ovid databases were searched using core concepts, including advanced cancer, CAM, integrative medicine, and decision-making. Articles included in the final review were analyzed using narrative synthesis methods, including thematic analysis, concept mapping, and critical reflection on the synthesis process. Results demonstrate that advanced cancer patients who are younger, female, more educated, have longer duration of disease, and have previously used CAM are more likely to use CAM during this stage of illness. Key themes identified include patterns of and reasons for use; and barriers and facilitators to informed CAM decision-making. Knowledge regarding the use of CAM in advanced cancer remains in its nascent stages. Findings suggest a need for more research on understanding the dynamic process of CAM decision-making in the advanced cancer population from the patients' perspective.