Oncology Nursing Forum[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Exploring Information Needs of Patients With Cancer and Family Caregivers: A Descriptive and Network Analysis of End-of-Life Inquiries.
LeBaron V, Mitchell SA, Huang GC … +3 more , Ng D, de Moor JS, Vanderpool RC
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Jun · PMID 42341340 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: To characterize patient and caregiver end-of-life (EOL) information needs through analysis of inquiries received by the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (CIS). SAMPLE & SETTING: The...
OBJECTIVES: To characterize patient and caregiver end-of-life (EOL) information needs through analysis of inquiries received by the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (CIS). SAMPLE & SETTING: The sample consisted of CIS inquiries received between September 2018 and June 2024 that were (a) initiated by patients or caregivers and (b) coded as focusing on the EOL phase of the cancer continuum. METHODS & VARIABLES: Descriptive and network analyses were conducted to characterize CIS inquiries and explore patterns of co-occurrence related to subjects of inquiry. RESULTS: Of the 81,836 inquiries received by the CIS during the study period, 3% (n = 2,333) focused on EOL; of these, 90% were initiated by caregivers. Patterns of subject-of-inquiry co-occurrence related to palliative care/hospice, finding healthcare services, cancer-directed therapies, coping, and clinical trials were observed. Patient and caregiver network structures were highly correlated (r = 0.799, p < 0.001), suggesting similar patterns of information needs. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Tailoring informational support and bundling common information needs are crucial strategies to optimally support patients with cancer and caregivers at the EOL. These findings highlight the need for nurse-led, novel care delivery models that can address unmet needs and improve the provision of support, such as caregiver-focused, community-based navigation; delivery of palliative care concurrent with cancer-directed therapies; and embedded caregiver clinics within cancer centers.
Postoperative Physiologic Comfort Management for Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy.
Yuan R, Kong X, Kang Y … +1 more , He F
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Jun · PMID 42341339 · Full text
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: Postoperative comfort management for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy remains unstandardized, with fragmented evidence limiting clinical pra...
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: Postoperative comfort management for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy remains unstandardized, with fragmented evidence limiting clinical practice. LITERATURE SEARCH: To establish China's first evidence-based framework for postoperative physiologic comfort management in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy, a systematic evidence synthesis, guided by the 6S Pyramid, was conducted. Sixteen databases, including PubMed®, Cochrane Library, and CNKI, were searched from inception to July 2024. DATA EVALUATION: Literature was systematically retrieved, appraised, and synthesized. Two researchers independently assessed study quality using AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation) and JBI tools. Evidence extraction followed hierarchical principles, with conflicts resolved through panel arbitration. SYNTHESIS: 14 studies were included, yielding 13 recommendations across the following six domains: patient education, nausea and vomiting control, gastrointestinal recovery, pain management, urinary retention, and early mobilization. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The proposed postoperative physiologic comfort management framework enables standardized nursing protocols across hospital settings, prioritizes patient-centered outcomes, and establishes measurable comfort metrics. Nurses can implement structured preoperative education and functional training while adopting stratified symptom management for patients undergoing hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.
Exploring Racial Disparities in Uterine Cancer Survival: A 20-Year, Single-Site Analysis.
Menon S, Harrison CV, Mazzola E … +1 more , Pozzar RA
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Jun · PMID 42341338 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: To assess differences in risk factors for uterine cancer (UC) mortality, differences in five-year overall survival across clinical and demographic characteristics, and independent predictors of mortality amon...
OBJECTIVES: To assess differences in risk factors for uterine cancer (UC) mortality, differences in five-year overall survival across clinical and demographic characteristics, and independent predictors of mortality among Black and White patients. SAMPLE & SETTING: Patients treated between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2022, at a specialized urban cancer center in the northeastern United States. METHODS & VARIABLES: This study used a retrospective analysis of data from an internal registry. Differences in overall survival across age, race, education, area income, stage, grade, and histology were compared using Kaplan-Meier curves. Survival was compared across characteristics using pairwise log-rank tests, followed by a Cox proportional hazards regression model to identify predictors of mortality. RESULTS: Among 4,891 patients, 262 self-identified as African American or Black. Compared to non-Hispanic White patients, Black patients were more likely to experience risk factors for UC mortality. Kaplan-Meier curves suggested reduced survival in patients with fewer resources. In the adjusted model, older age, advanced disease, higher tumor grade, and not having graduated from high school were associated with a greater likelihood of mortality. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Socioeconomic factors may contribute to racial disparities in UC survival. Earlier diagnosis and enhanced patient support may address modifiable risk factors for UC mortality.
What I See as an Editor: The Reach of Nurse-Led Intervention Oncology Research.
Overcash J
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Jun · PMID 42341337 · Full text
As an editor, I think of myself as a disseminator, not a researcher. Serving as an editor is my contribution to helping oncology nursing science reach the clinicians and scholars who can translate it into practice. In th...
As an editor, I think of myself as a disseminator, not a researcher. Serving as an editor is my contribution to helping oncology nursing science reach the clinicians and scholars who can translate it into practice. In that wa.
Trends and Hot Spots in Cancer Family Resilience: A Bibliometric and Visualization Study.
Cheng Y, Zhang R, Luo L
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Jun · PMID 42341336 · Full text
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: Cancer family resilience has become an important interdisciplinary focus in oncology, nursing, and psychosocial care. However, global development patterns, key contributors, and emerging trends ha...
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: Cancer family resilience has become an important interdisciplinary focus in oncology, nursing, and psychosocial care. However, global development patterns, key contributors, and emerging trends have not been systematically examined. LITERATURE SEARCH: A bibliometric analysis of publications related to cancer, family, and resilience indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 2008 to 2025 was conducted. Publication growth, journal distribution, country contributions, collaboration patterns, and keyword hot spots were examined. DATA EVALUATION: 944 records were identified. Publications and citations increased rapidly, particularly after 2020. Research output was concentrated; 84 journals published on this topic, but more than half published only one article. Publications came from 52 countries, led by the United States (257 articles) and China (250 articles). SYNTHESIS: Chinese work emphasized measurement of family resilience, psychosocial intervention, and support for patients and caregivers, and other countries' work more often addressed theoretical frameworks and longitudinal follow-up. High-frequency and emerging topics included family resilience, caregivers, quality of life, and financial toxicity. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Future work is expected to focus on vulnerable subgroups (e.g., adolescents, siblings, financially stressed families), use digital and artificial intelligence-supported approaches, and strengthen international collaboration to improve real-world support for patients and families.
Seven-Year Cognitive Trajectories in Older Adult Cancer Survivors: Findings From a National Cohort Study.
Pu J, Luo W, Cho Y … +1 more , Zhou W
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Jun · PMID 42341335 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: To describe the long-term trajectories of cognitive impairment in older adult cancer survivors and to identify factors associated with distinct trajectories. SAMPLE & SETTING: Data were sourced from the N...
OBJECTIVES: To describe the long-term trajectories of cognitive impairment in older adult cancer survivors and to identify factors associated with distinct trajectories. SAMPLE & SETTING: Data were sourced from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2015-2021), a nationally representative cohort study of community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years or older. METHODS & VARIABLES: Cognitive function was assessed annually with self-reported diagnoses and cognitive function tests. Group-based trajectory models were used to identify cognitive trajectories, and multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine associations between baseline characteristics and trajectory affiliations. RESULTS: 1,564 older adults with cancer and 3,447 without cancer were included. Four trajectories of cognitive impairment were identified: low-stable (64%), low-slowly deteriorating (18%), low-rapidly deteriorating (6%), and persistent-high (12%). Older age, lower education and income levels, poorer self-rated health, physical frailty, and comorbidities were significantly associated with persistent-high or deteriorating trajectories (p < 0.05). IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The current study highlights the specific dynamic features of cognitive decline among older adult cancer survivors and identifies risk factors for early identification of patients at high risk for less favorable trajectories.
Concordance Between Patient-Reported and Clinically Documented Symptoms in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Chae S, Bae J, Youn N … +4 more , Pham H, Dunn Lopez K, Sutamtewagul G, Rakel B
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Jun · PMID 42341334 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: To describe the frequency and documentation patterns of patient-reported and clinically documented symptoms, and to determine the degree of concordance and discordance between patient-reported symptoms and el...
OBJECTIVES: To describe the frequency and documentation patterns of patient-reported and clinically documented symptoms, and to determine the degree of concordance and discordance between patient-reported symptoms and electronic health record (EHR) documentation. SAMPLE & SETTING: 31 adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia hospitalized at a large academic tertiary healthcare center. METHODS & VARIABLES: Self-reported symptoms were collected using a modified Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, in which patients reported symptoms experienced during the prior seven days. Clinician-documented symptoms were manually extracted from clinical notes and nursing flow sheets in the EHR. Concordance and discordance were evaluated using Cohen's kappa and McNemar's tests. RESULTS: Lack of energy (87% patients, 87% clinicians) and lack of appetite (74% patients, 84% clinicians) were the most frequently reported symptoms. However, many symptoms, particularly psychosocial symptoms such as feeling sad (n = 17 patients, 2 clinicians; kappa = -0.01, p = 0.001) and feeling irritable (n = 10 patients, 2 clinicians; kappa = -0.12, p = 0.043), showed substantial discordance and were often underdocumented in the EHR, suggesting that subjective patient experiences may be overlooked in routine documentation. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Accurate and comprehensive symptom documentation is essential for effective symptom management and clinical decision-making. Integrating structured symptom assessment tools or patient-reported outcomes into the EHR may improve documentation accuracy and enhance the quality of care for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
Patient Experience of Preirradiation Dental Screening Prior to Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer.
Deisner A, Bille Nielsen C, Singers Johansen AM … +2 more , Nielsen C, Forner L
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Jun · PMID 42341333 · Full text
PURPOSE: To explore the preirradiation dental screening experiences of patients with head and neck cancer and how this understanding can contribute to the enhancement of nursing practice. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: In 2...
PURPOSE: To explore the preirradiation dental screening experiences of patients with head and neck cancer and how this understanding can contribute to the enhancement of nursing practice. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: In 2022 and 2023, patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer with planned radiation therapy were recruited. The study was conducted at a university hospital in Denmark, where preirradiation dental screening is an integrated component of the fast-track cancer pathway. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: A qualitative, phenomenologic-hermeneutic design was applied, employing semistructured telephone interviews with 10 patients. Detailed field notes were used to construct individual patient narratives. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to capture the depth and variation in patients' lived experiences. FINDINGS: Four main themes were identified: anxiety for the future and the dentist, information overload, the stressful day, and confidence in efficiency. Overall, patient experiences clustered into two overarching patterns: compromised course and successful course. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Patients' experiences vary widely. Anxiety, information overload, and stressful logistics may compromise the patient's experience, whereas clear information and supportive interactions may result in confidence. It is recommended that nursing practice prioritize individual support using Henderson's model, ensuring that needs are addressed and managing information overload throughout the complex treatment process of preirradiation dental screening.
Caregivers' Perspectives on Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults With Acute Myeloid Leukemia Receiving Chemotherapy.
Chan YN, Cho Y, Hirschey R … +5 more , Piepmeier A, Bender CM, Anderson RA, Foster MC, Leak Bryant A
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Jun · PMID 42341332 · Full text
PURPOSE: To explore caregivers' perspectives on cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) experiences in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia receiving chemotherapy. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: Eight caregivers, inc...
PURPOSE: To explore caregivers' perspectives on cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) experiences in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia receiving chemotherapy. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: Eight caregivers, including adult children and spouses, of older adults with acute myeloid leukemia receiving chemotherapy from the control arm of a clinical trial were interviewed. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Semistructured interviews were conducted at the second, fourth, and seventh cycles of chemotherapy. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Two researchers independently analyzed 16 transcripts using thematic analysis. FINDINGS: Four themes were identified: (a) CRCI experiences, (b) impact of CRCI, (c) CRCI coping strategies, and (d) perceived CRCI-related factors. Caregivers observed changes in memory, concentration, and information processing in their loved ones and developed various strategies to better support or cope with CRCI. In addition, CRCI influenced caregivers' emotions, lives, and relationships with their loved ones. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Caregivers of older adults with acute myeloid leukemia play a vital role in CRCI symptom monitoring. The impact of CRCI on caregivers highlights the importance of supporting caregivers, and the identified coping strategies can provide guidance for future intervention development.
The Impact of Side Effects on Oral Anticancer Agent Self-Management: Patient Perception of Risks Matters.
Kantabanlang Y, Hwang M, Krauss JC … +2 more , Mason H, Jiang Y
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Jun · PMID 42341331 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between side effect severity and self-management ability in patients taking capecitabine and investigate whether medication beliefs mediate this relationship. SAMPLE & SETTING:...
OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between side effect severity and self-management ability in patients taking capecitabine and investigate whether medication beliefs mediate this relationship. SAMPLE & SETTING: A secondary analysis was conducted using data from a descriptive study of 50 patients with gastrointestinal cancer receiving capecitabine at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. METHODS & VARIABLES: Self-management ability was assessed using the Measure of Drug Self-Management. The severity of capecitabine-related side effects was measured using the Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Patients' perceived necessity of and concerns about capecitabine were evaluated using the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (adapted for capecitabine). Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and PROCESS macro mediation analysis were employed. RESULTS: Self-management ability was significantly associated with total side effect severity (beta = -1.09, p = 0.003). This relationship was partially mediated by patients' overall beliefs about capecitabine (beta = -0.74, p = 0.04) and fully mediated by concerns about its potential harms (beta = -0.6, p = 0.11). IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Oncology nurses should adopt a patient-centered approach that includes counseling about the benefits of capecitabine, addressing concerns about adverse effects, and reinforcing patients' self-efficacy and social support networks to enhance self-management during therapy.
Patient Perspectives on Measuring Patient-Reported Outcomes in Oncology.
Mbango C, Bedse S, Williams LA … +2 more , Cleeland C, Whisenant M
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Jun · PMID 42341330 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: To provide patient perspectives for completing symptom assessment patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. SAMPLE & SETTING: 192 patients diagnosed with cancer in follow-up at the University of Texas MD A...
OBJECTIVES: To provide patient perspectives for completing symptom assessment patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. SAMPLE & SETTING: 192 patients diagnosed with cancer in follow-up at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. METHODS & VARIABLES: Participants responded to a questionnaire, developed by the authors and derived from the literature and experts in PRO measure development, about use of PRO measures for symptom assessment. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 57.5 years (SD = 13), with 49% self-reporting as female and 75% as White. In addition, 77% had solid tumors, 77% were in active treatment, and 22% were in survivorship. Participants preferred to complete symptom assessments in the clinic waiting room when checking in (38%), electronically on a home computer (28%), or electronically on a smartphone at home (26%). In the clinic, the preferred completion method was using a paper and pen (28%), followed by electronically on a tablet or computer (17%). Participants preferred to complete only one measure at each follow-up visit (79%) and only one measure for each week while receiving treatment (81%). If reporting a highly serious symptom, participants preferred an immediate telephone call from a provider (52%). IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Patient preferences for location, administration method, cadence, and provider response should be accounted for when planning systematic PRO symptom monitoring.
May 2026 Letter to the Editor.
Behrend SW, Overcash J
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Apr · PMID 42189659 · Full text
Selection of letters to be published is the decision of the editor. For acceptance, letters must be signed. A letter can appear anonymously if requested by the author. All letters are subject to editing. A letter that qu...
Selection of letters to be published is the decision of the editor. For acceptance, letters must be signed. A letter can appear anonymously if requested by the author. All letters are subject to editing. A letter that questions, criticizes, or responds to a previously published Oncology Nursing Forum article automatically will be sent to the author of that article for a reply. This type of collegial exchange is encouraged. Send letters to ONFEditor@ons.org.
Exploring Digital Support: A Scoping Review of Online Psychosocial Interventions for Parents Coping With Childhood Cancer.
Makhoul Khoury S, Gur A
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Apr · PMID 42189658 · Full text
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: Parents of children with cancer face substantial emotional, social, and practical challenges. Online psychosocial interventions have emerged as a potential means of support, yet the evidence base...
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: Parents of children with cancer face substantial emotional, social, and practical challenges. Online psychosocial interventions have emerged as a potential means of support, yet the evidence base remains fragmented. LITERATURE SEARCH: A systematic search was conducted across five databases (PsycNET, PubMed®, ProQuest, Social Services Abstracts, and EBSCO). Eligible studies examined online psychosocial interventions, targeted parents or caregivers, and reported empirical findings. DATA EVALUATION: Thematic analysis was applied. SYNTHESIS: Interventions consistently reported high levels of parent satisfaction and addressed diverse psychosocial outcomes, including reductions in post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety, alongside improved coping strategies and family relationships. Key design elements that enhanced effectiveness included flexibility in delivery, tailored approaches, facilitator involvement, proactive recruitment, extended access, and optional support features. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Online psychosocial interventions offer meaningful benefits for parents of children with cancer, alleviating psychological distress and strengthening coping and family bonds.
The Lived Experiences of Grief Among Newly Graduated Oncology Nurses: A Descriptive Phenomenologic Study.
Pehlivan Sarıbudak T, Tektaş P
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Apr · PMID 42189657 · Full text
PURPOSE: To explore the grief experiences, influencing factors, and coping strategies of newly graduated oncology nurses in Türkiye. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: Between June and October 2024, 12 phenomenologic semistruct...
PURPOSE: To explore the grief experiences, influencing factors, and coping strategies of newly graduated oncology nurses in Türkiye. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: Between June and October 2024, 12 phenomenologic semistructured interviews were conducted with newly graduated oncology nurses in Türkiye. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: This study used a descriptive phenomenologic design. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenologic method. FINDINGS: Six main themes emerged from the phenomenologic analysis of the interviews: (a) confronting the reality of death in oncology, (b) emotional reactions and outcomes, (c) suppressed grief, (d) factors affecting the experience of grief, (e) coping, and (f) expectation of organizational support. Newly graduated oncology nurses often experience secondary trauma. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses should receive training to effectively cope with grief and secondary traumatic stress. Organizations can organize periodic debriefing sessions, offer psychological support, and provide comprehensive orientation and mentorship programs to foster resilience and reduce the risk of compassion fatigue among newly graduated oncology nurses.
Artificial Intelligence as a Research Extender, Not a Shortcut.
Overcash J
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Apr · PMID 42189656 · Full text
Ultimately, the responsible integration of AI into scholarship is not a threat to scientific rigor, but an opportunity. As the scientific community continues to define best practices for AI use, our collective responsibi...
Ultimately, the responsible integration of AI into scholarship is not a threat to scientific rigor, but an opportunity. As the scientific community continues to define best practices for AI use, our collective responsibility.
Symptom Severity Subgroups and Individual Symptom-Associated Risk for Fear of Progression in Metastatic Breast Cancer.
Tsai JJ, Wu CJ, Hu HF … +1 more , Wang YJ
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Apr · PMID 42189655 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: To identify symptom severity subgroups among metastatic breast cancer survivors and examine their association with fear of progression. SAMPLE & SETTING: The sample included 102 individuals with metastati...
OBJECTIVES: To identify symptom severity subgroups among metastatic breast cancer survivors and examine their association with fear of progression. SAMPLE & SETTING: The sample included 102 individuals with metastatic breast cancer recruited during follow-up outpatient visits. METHODS & VARIABLES: A secondary analysis of symptom data was conducted to identify subgroups. Predominant symptoms were defined as the five most severe and prevalent within each subgroup. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of fear of progression. RESULTS: Two symptom severity subgroups were identified: mild (n = 36, 35%) and severe (n = 66, 65%). Fatigue was the most prevalent symptom. Compared with the mild group, the severe group reported significantly higher breast cancer-specific symptom and fear-of-progression scores. Worry about worsening showed the strongest association with fear of progression (odds ratio = 2.9, p < 0.001). IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Routine assessment of symptom severity and psychological distress is essential to identify survivors at risk for heightened fear of progression. Tailored nursing interventions may reduce fear of progression and improve quality of life.
The Effect of Neuroticism, Fear of Progression, and Self-Efficacy on Post-Traumatic Growth in Patients With Lung Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy.
Dai C, Zhai S, Lu Y … +2 more , Liu Q, Chen C
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Apr · PMID 42189654 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: To explore the effect of neuroticism, fear of progression, and self-efficacy on post-traumatic growth (PTG) in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy. SAMPLE & SETTING: This study employed a th...
OBJECTIVES: To explore the effect of neuroticism, fear of progression, and self-efficacy on post-traumatic growth (PTG) in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy. SAMPLE & SETTING: This study employed a three-wave longitudinal survey using convenience sampling across multiple tertiary hospitals. The final sample included 303 participants with valid datasets. METHODS & VARIABLES: The research was conducted between October 2024 and January 2025. Data were collected using the Chinese Big Five Personality Inventory, PTG Inventory, Fear of Progression Questionnaire, and General Self-Efficacy Scale. RESULTS: Neuroticism and fear of progression were negatively correlated with PTG, whereas self-efficacy was positively correlated with PTG. Fear of progression and self-efficacy served as chain mediators in the relationship between neuroticism and PTG. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Assessing neuroticism in patients with lung cancer may enable early detection of psychological risk factors and guide tailored interventions to improve PTG, reduce emotional distress, and enhance quality of life.
A Qualitative Exploration of the Experiences of Sexual and Gender Minority Survivors of Breast and Ovarian Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Miles HS, Wickersham KE, Hein LC
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Apr · PMID 42189653 · Full text
PURPOSE: To explore the sexual health experiences of sexual and gender minority (SGM) survivors of breast or ovarian cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: Five lesbian or bisexual individuals,...
PURPOSE: To explore the sexual health experiences of sexual and gender minority (SGM) survivors of breast or ovarian cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: Five lesbian or bisexual individuals, recruited nationally, participated in semistructured telephone interviews. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Data were collected from March to May 2023. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify significant themes in sexual health, healthcare experiences, and cancer survivorship. FINDINGS: Three themes were identified: (a) a "silent crisis" in health care for queer people with cancer, (b) sexual health as an unaddressed need for sexual minority women, and (c) unacceptable cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants stressed the need for inclusive care addressing SGM-specific issues. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The findings highlight the need for culturally competent nursing practices and education to meet SGM individuals' health needs. Nurses should proactively address SGM-specific sexual health and identity challenges in survivorship care, including partner inclusion and affirming communication.
Symptom Burden of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: Development of a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure.
Williams LA, Whisenant M, Shen SE … +3 more , Malveaux D, Ponce D, Altan M
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Apr · PMID 42189652 · Full text
PURPOSE: To develop and validate a patient-reported outcome questionnaire to measure the symptom burden of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: 22 patients were interviewed in stage 1, and 16...
PURPOSE: To develop and validate a patient-reported outcome questionnaire to measure the symptom burden of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: 22 patients were interviewed in stage 1, and 16 experts were queried in stage 2; 128 patients completed the preliminary MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for ICIs (MDASI-ICI) for psychometric validation, and 111 patients completed it for longitudinal analysis. All participants were patients, family caregivers, physicians, or other healthcare providers at a single clinic. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Qualitative interviews and expert queries helped establish MDASI-ICI content domain. Patients on ICI therapy completed preliminary MDASI-ICI every two weeks for six months and comple-ted a single-item quality-of-life scale and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General monthly. FINDINGS: MDASI-ICI symptom severity and interference scores were significantly higher in patients reporting lower quality of life and significantly correlated with Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General total scores. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were acceptable. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Lack of accurate measures has affected the understanding of symptom burden of ICIs. The MDASI-ICI is a psychometrically sound, sensitive patient-reported outcome measure for ICI symptom burden in research or practice.
When They Feel Heard: Exploring Comfort Care by Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Nurses.
Pilla MC, Bowers T, Chappell KK
Oncol Nurs Forum · 2026 Apr · PMID 42189651 · Full text
PURPOSE: To explore how nurses comfort pediatric hematology-oncology (PHO) patients, examine nurses' confidence and educational preparation in providing comfort, and inform recommendations for enhancing new nurses' readi...
PURPOSE: To explore how nurses comfort pediatric hematology-oncology (PHO) patients, examine nurses' confidence and educational preparation in providing comfort, and inform recommendations for enhancing new nurses' readiness. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: Seventeen PHO nurses in the southeastern United States were recruited through professional networks and PHO-focused organizations to complete an anonymous online survey. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: PHO nurses completed a survey with 12 closed and 4 open-ended questions. Open-coding content analysis was used to derive themes about how nurses comfort PHO patients. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. FINDINGS: A conceptual model described how nurses comfort PHO patients through dynamic individualized care using the approaches of preparation, comforting presence, listening, and distraction. More experienced nurses appeared to be more likely to identify listening as a comforting approach. Nurses who were more confident using comfort approaches appeared to be more likely to use them. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Comfort care is a particular priority when caring for a PHO patient. Understanding nurses' readiness to provide comfort and how they approach this key aspect of PHO care strengthens patient care and nursing practice transitions. There are opportunities to increase education and readiness for this nursing role.
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