Guidelines for Providing Acupuncture Treatment for Cancer Patients – a Peer-Reviewed Sample Policy Document

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 172-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Filshie ◽  
Joan Hester
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Acupuncture Treatment ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Standards Of Care ◽  
Policy Document ◽  
Roles And Responsibilities ◽  
Minimum Standards Of Care ◽  
Basic Minimum

Clinical guidelines are statements that have been systematically developed and which aim to assist clinicians in making decisions about treatment for specific conditions, and promote best practice. They are linked to evidence and are meant to facilitate good medical practice. We are not aware of any guidelines for the safe practice of acupuncture in a conventional healthcare setting, yet they are necessary as acupuncture may be performed in a variety of settings and by a variety of healthcare professionals: doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, midwives, and non medically trained practitioners. These guidelines were developed for use in cancer patients, mainly for pain but also for some non-pain indications such as hot flushes. They are presented here as a template for other acupuncturists who are requested to provide policies for acupuncture treatment for cancer patients. This article includes a general review of the evidence on mechanisms, effectiveness and safety of acupuncture that is intended to be used in conjunction with the guidelines; and the guidelines themselves. An appendix includes instructions for self acupuncture. The guidelines contain sections on roles and responsibilities, criteria for acupuncture practice, indications for acupuncture, contraindications and cautions, acupuncture treatment, and review and audit. These guidelines set basic, minimum standards of care, and need reassessment and ongoing validation as further data and evidence accumulate.

scholarly journals Cancer patients’ information seeking behavior related to online electronic healthcare records

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 146045822110247
Author(s):  
Hanife Rexhepi ◽  
Isto Huvila ◽  
Rose-Mharie Åhlfeldt ◽  
Åsa Cajander
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Information Seeking Behavior ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Information Horizons ◽  
Health Information Sources

Patients’ online access to their EHR together with the rapid proliferation of medical information on the Internet has changed how patients use information to learn about their health. Patients’ tendency to turn to the Internet to find information about their health and care is well-documented. However, little is known about patients’ information seeking behavior when using online EHRs. By using information horizons as an analytical tool this paper aims to investigate the information behavior of cancer patients who have chosen to view their EHRs (readers) and to those who have not made that option (non-readers). Thirty interviews were conducted with patients. Based on information horizons, it seems that non-reading is associated with living in a narrower information world in comparison to readers. The findings do not suggest that the smallness would be a result of active avoidance of information, or that it would be counterproductive for the patients. The findings suggest, however, that EHRs would benefit from comprehensive linking to authoritative health information sources to help users to understand their contents. In parallel, healthcare professionals should be more aware of their personal role as a key source of health information to those who choose not to read their EHRs.

scholarly journals The Supportive Care Needs of Cancer Patients: a Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeleine Evans Webb ◽  
Elizabeth Murray ◽  
Zane William Younger ◽  
Henry Goodfellow ◽  
Jamie Ross
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Narrative Synthesis ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Need Support ◽  
Lack Of Control ◽  
Everyday Work

AbstractCancer, and the complex nature of treatment, has a profound impact on lives of patients and their families. Subsequently, cancer patients have a wide range of needs. This study aims to identify and synthesise cancer patients’ views about areas where they need support throughout their care. A systematic  search of the literature from PsycInfo, Embase and Medline databases was conducted, and a narrative. Synthesis of results was carried out using the Corbin & Strauss “3 lines of work” framework. For each line of work, a group of key common needs were identified. For illness-work, the key needs idenitified were; understanding their illness and treatment options, knowing what to expect, communication with healthcare professionals, and staying well. In regards to everyday work, patients wanted to maintain a sense of normalcy and look after their loved ones. For biographical work, patients commonly struggled with the emotion impact of illness and a lack of control over their lives. Spiritual, sexual and financial problems were less universal. For some types of support, demographic factors influenced the level of need reported. While all patients are unique, there are a clear set of issues that are common to a majority of cancer journeys. To improve care, these needs should be prioritised by healthcare practitioners.

scholarly journals Understanding health-seeking and adherence to treatment by patients with esophageal cancer at the Uganda cancer Institute: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nakimuli Esther ◽  
Ssentongo Julius ◽  
Mwaka Amos Deogratius
Keyword(s):  
Esophageal Cancer ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Transport Cost ◽  
Adherence To Treatment ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Cancer Symptoms

Abstract Background In the low- and middle-income countries, most patients with esophageal cancer present with advanced stage disease and experience poor survival. There is inadequate understanding of the factors that influence decisions to and actual health-seeking, and adherence to treatment regimens among esophageal cancer patients in Uganda, yet this knowledge is critical in informing interventions to promote prompt health-seeking, diagnosis at early stage and access to appropriate cancer therapy to improve survival. We explored health-seeking experiences and adherence to treatment among esophageal cancer patients attending the Uganda Cancer Institute. Methods We conducted an interview based qualitative study at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). Participants included patients with established histology diagnosis of esophageal cancer and healthcare professionals involved in the care of these patients. We used purposive sampling approach to select study participants. In-depth and key informant interviews were used in data collection. Data collection was conducted till point of data saturation was reached. Thematic content analysis approach was used in data analyses and interpretations. Themes and subthemes were identified deductively. Results Sixteen patients and 17 healthcare professionals were included in the study. Delayed health-seeking and poor adherence to treatment were related to (i) emotional and psychosocial factors including stress of cancer diagnosis, stigma related to esophageal cancer symptoms, and fear of loss of jobs and livelihood, (ii) limited knowledge and recognition of esophageal cancer symptoms by both patients and primary healthcare professionals, and (iii) limited access to specialized cancer care, mainly because of long distance to the facility and associated high transport cost. Patients were generally enthused with patient – provider relationships at the UCI. While inadequate communication and some degree of incivility were reported, majority of patients thought the healthcare professionals were empathetic and supportive. Conclusion Health system and individual patient factors influence health-seeking for symptoms of esophageal cancer and adherence to treatment schedule for the disease. Interventions to improve access to and acceptability of esophageal cancer services, as well as increase public awareness of esophageal cancer risk factors and symptoms could lead to earlier diagnosis and potentially better survival from the disease in Uganda.

scholarly journals Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer: A Perspective from Central Europe

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-165
Author(s):  
Ilaria Pergolini ◽  
I. Ekin Demir ◽  
Christian Stöss ◽  
Klaus Emmanuel ◽  
Robert Rosenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Central Europe ◽  
Pancreatic Surgery ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Tumor Board ◽  
Standards Of Care ◽  
The Impact

Background: This survey aimed to register changes determined by the COVID-19 pandemic on pancreatic surgery in a specific geographic area (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) to evaluate the impact of the pandemic and obtain interesting cues for the future. Methods: An online survey was designed using Google Forms focusing on the local impact of the pandemic on pancreatic surgery. The survey was conducted at 2 different time points, during and after the lockdown. Results: Twenty-five respondents (25/56) completed the survey. Many aspects of oncological care have been affected with restrictions and delays: staging, tumor board, treatment selection, postoperative course, adjuvant treatments, outpatient care, and follow-up. Overall, 60% of respondents have prioritized pancreatic cancer patients according to stage, age, and comorbidities, and 40% opted not to operate high-risk patients. However, for 96% of participants, the standards of care were guaranteed. Discussion/Conclusions: The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had an important impact on pancreatic cancer surgery in central Europe. Guidelines for prompt interventions and prevention of the spread of viral infections in the surgical environment are needed to avoid a deterioration of care in cancer patients in the event of a second wave or a new pandemic. High-volume centers for pancreatic surgery should be preferred and their activity maintained. Virtual conferences have proven to be efficient during this pandemic and should be implemented in the near future.

#49: Results of 10 Years of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Use and the Association with Infections in Pediatric Patients at a Tertiary Care Oncology Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S16-S16
Author(s):  
Jennia J Acebo ◽  
María Costta ◽  
Gisella Sánchez ◽  
Erika Villanueva ◽  
Erika Montalvo E ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Complication Rate ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Infectious Complication ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Peripheral Venous Access ◽  
Pediatric Cancer Patients

Abstract Introduction Pediatric cancer patients merit the placement of central lines for the treatments they receive. Subcutaneous central ports (SCs) and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are the most frequently used lines. PICCs have gained popularity due to the ease of insertion, which can be invaluable in the pediatric oncology setting for administration of intravenous therapy, parenteral nutrition, and/or blood products. Since central-line-associated bloodstream infections increase the morbidity and mortality of cancer patients, as well as increase the cost generated by their treatment, active surveillance of these healthcare-associated infections is warranted. Methods This is a retrospective descriptive study of pediatric patients treated via PICCs at the Hospital SOLCA Núcleo Quito between 2009 and 2019. Results During the study period, 70 PICC lines were placed in 66 patients, totaling 1862 catheter-days. The majority of patients (75.7%) were diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma. As of 2011, all PICCs were placed in the operating room by a surgeon. Ultrasound was used 39 times for the insertion of PICCs. Inadequate peripheral venous access was the most common indication (64.2%) for placement. Twenty-nine PICCs had complications, of which 13 were infectious complications and 16 were noninfectious. The most common infectious complication was PICC-related bloodstream infection (13), and the most frequent noninfectious complication was occlusion (10). The overall complication rate was 15.5 complications per 1000 catheter-days, and the overall infectious complication rate was 6.9 complications per 1000 catheter days. Annual complication rates fluctuated over the study period. The PICC line-associated infection rate per 1000 catheter-days was 13.1‰ in 2009, 12.4‰ in 2010, 5.0‰ in 2011, 7.9‰ in 2012, 0 in 2013, 13.4‰ in 2014, 4.8‰ in 2015, 16.2‰ in 2016, 8.2‰ in 2017, and 4.3‰ in 2018. Conclusion In general, complications related to PICC in pediatric patients at a tertiary care oncology hospital have fluctuated over the years. Our findings indicate the need for further efforts in staff education and training in the insertion, care, and maintenance of PICC lines. Best practice guidelines are also critical to reducing complications, especially occlusion and infection rates, to thereby improve patient outcomes.

scholarly journals Exploring the roles and responsibilities of non-medical prescribing leads in the South West of England

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (10) ◽  
pp. 546-554
Author(s):  
Sally Jarmain ◽  
Nicola Carey
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
The South ◽  
Job Description ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Roles And Responsibilities ◽  
Organisational Support ◽  
South West ◽  
Support Research

The aim of this study was to explore the role and responsibilities of non-medical prescriber leads in the southwest of England. A questionnaire was completed by 22 leads in this region in 2019. A total of 2388 healthcare professionals were reported to have the prescribing qualification amongst the 22 participating organisations. Just under half (44.5%) of the leads did not have any designated time to undertake the role, and a third (31.2%) did not have the role included within their job description. The demands of the role were evident in the key areas of activities reported by leads in this study. A total of 21 (95.5%) respondents reported that governance and communication with managers/non-medical prescribers was important or essential to their role, whilst only 11 (50%) described the support of designated medical practitioners in this way. The responsibilities of the leads in the southwest of England are complex, however, many of them undertake the role with limited organisational support. Research is required in order to fully understand the role and responsibilities of the Lead role, so that it can be supported appropriately. Without this, the full benefits of non-medical prescibing are unlikely to be realised, as Leads will not have the time or capacity to undertake the role effectively.

Measuring Trust in Healthcare Professionals—A Study of Ethnically Diverse UK Cancer Patients

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Lord ◽  
K. Ibrahim ◽  
S. Kumar ◽  
N. Rudd ◽  
A.J. Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Ethnically Diverse
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