Percutaneous Nephrostomy Infusion: Nursing Considerations for Treatment of Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

An intrarenal approach using a percutaneous nephrostomy tube is a novel method to deliver chemotherapy and biotherapy to patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. A paucity of evidence exists regarding basic nursing implications for this unique treatment option. This column will provide suggested guidelines to administer intrarenal treatment via a percutanous nephrostomy tube.
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Impact of different educational methods on nursing knowledge and satisfaction.

Despite the reality of high patient acuity, staffing challenges, and financial constraints, nurse educators must convey information to staff in an expeditious and effective manner. Determining which educational methods meet the staff's needs and learning preferences is a daily challenge for educators. This experimental study compared two different educational methods, lecture and poster presentation, examining nursing knowledge acquisition and retention as well as satisfaction with the educational method.

Continuing education: a comprehensive approach to improving cancer pain management and patient satisfaction.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To report on the development and outcomes of a comprehensive program to improve cancer pain management and patient satisfaction. DATA SOURCES: Published research and guidelines, review articles, and patients' personal experiences. DATA SYNTHESIS: A comprehensive cancer pain management program includes performance improvement, patient satisfaction, nursing education, and pain management rounds. This approach to pain can result in effective pain management, patients' reports of acceptable levels of pain, and an increase in patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Semiweekly pain management rounds provided the opportunity for nurses to practice equianalgesic dosing and make recommendations for changes in pain management. Effective pain management plans can lead to an increase in scores that measure patient satisfaction. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nursing pain management education and subsequent use of pain management principles during and between pain management rounds can lead to effective pain management and satisfaction for patients with cancer. Research is needed to assess whether comprehensive programs can change pain management practices in other patient populations.