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Nursing Care for Cancer Patients
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Nursing Care for Cancer Patients

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Nursing".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 22595

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Qiuping Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
2. Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
Interests: cancer; colorectal cancer; family (spousal) caregivers; couple; dyadic coping; survivorship care; psycho-social support
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With aging populations and advances in cancer screening and treatment technologies, the number of cancer survivors has increased substantially worldwide in recent decades. It is well-accepted that cancer and its treatment affect not only the patient but also their close family members leading to the description of cancer as a ‘we-disease’. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted cancer care worldwide. Many countries reduced face-to-face consultations to minimize the risk of nosocomial infection, and redirect care to people with COVID-19.

This Special Issue of Healthcare seeks all types of study design, including papers reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses, quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods studies, case studies and other designs, in accordance with cancer care associated with supporting cancer survivors, family caregivers, and oncology professionals. We are particularly keen to include studies focusing on colorectal cancer, long-term survivorship care, supporting self-management and rehabilitation, oncology-nurse-led survivorship care, eHealth, or web-based interventions in this regard.

Dr. Qiuping Li
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cancer survivor
  • family caregiver
  • dyadic coping
  • survivorship care
  • nurse-led care
  • intervention
  • eHealth

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 302 KiB  
Article
The Role of Resilience in the Relationship between Sociodemographic, Clinical Characteristics, and Social Support among Breast Cancer Patients in Serbia
by Sanja D Tomić, Goran Malenković, Armin Šljivo, Ermina Mujičić and Slobodan Tomić
Healthcare 2023, 11(24), 3184; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11243184 - 16 Dec 2023
Viewed by 898
Abstract
Background. The management of breast cancer treatments within the limitations of family, social, and professional life is emotionally burdening and negatively affects physical, psychological, and social well-being, reducing the overall quality of life of patients and their families. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive–analytical study [...] Read more.
Background. The management of breast cancer treatments within the limitations of family, social, and professional life is emotionally burdening and negatively affects physical, psychological, and social well-being, reducing the overall quality of life of patients and their families. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive–analytical study was conducted from March to August 2023 at the “Dr. Radivoj Simonović” General Hospital in Sombor. A total of 236 breast cancer patients participated in this study. The research was conducted using the following instruments: a questionnaire on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients, the Berlin Social-Support Scales—for assessing social support—and the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale—for assessing resilience. This study aimed to determine the predictors and levels of social support and resilience of breast cancer patients. We also wanted to examine whether resilience is a mediator between patients’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and levels of social support. Results: The total average value of social support was 3.51 ± 0.63, while on the resilience scale, the respondents achieved a total average score of 52.2 ± 9.63. Perceived and actually received social support of breast cancer patients were positively correlated with resilience [p < 0.01], while no statistically significant correlations were found for the need for support and satisfaction. The sets of predictors can significantly predict their effects on all types of perceived social support (emotional social support: 9%; perceived instrumental social support: 9%) and all types of received social support (actually received emotional social support: 8%; actually received instrumental social support: 7%; actually received informational social support: 8%). There is a potential mediating role of resilience in relation to sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics, and the need for support. Conclusion: This study confirms that a strong connection exists between social support and resilience. However, the analysis did not confirm the mediating role of resilience between the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics on the one hand and social support on the other. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Care for Cancer Patients)
10 pages, 357 KiB  
Article
Effects of Post Traumatic Growth on Successful Aging in Breast Cancer Survivors in South Korea: The Mediating Effect of Resilience and Intolerance of Uncertainty
by Su Jeong Yi, Ku Sang Kim, Seunghee Lee and Hyunjung Lee
Healthcare 2023, 11(21), 2843; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11212843 - 28 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 959
Abstract
This study aimed to identify post-traumatic growth and successful aging and the mediating effects of resilience and intolerance of uncertainty in breast cancer survivors. This study employed a descriptive survey approach. Data were collected from 143 breast cancer survivors between 27 January and [...] Read more.
This study aimed to identify post-traumatic growth and successful aging and the mediating effects of resilience and intolerance of uncertainty in breast cancer survivors. This study employed a descriptive survey approach. Data were collected from 143 breast cancer survivors between 27 January and 10 December 2021, at a cancer center in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. SPSS/WIN 25.0 and PROCESS Macro version 3.5 were used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were analyzed with SPSS. PROCESS was used to conduct a mediation analysis and the significance of the mediating effect was evaluated using 95% confidence intervals. Successful aging was significantly associated with post-traumatic growth, resilience, and the intolerance of uncertainty. The impact of post-traumatic growth on successful aging was mediated by resilience in breast cancer survivors. Resilience should be considered when developing nursing interventions to enhance post-traumatic growth and promote successful aging in breast cancer survivors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Care for Cancer Patients)
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13 pages, 568 KiB  
Article
Effects of Music on the Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Terminal Cancer Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial
by Inmaculada Valero-Cantero, Cristina Casals, Milagrosa Espinar-Toledo, Francisco Javier Barón-López, Nuria García-Agua Soler and María Ángeles Vázquez-Sánchez
Healthcare 2023, 11(14), 1985; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11141985 - 9 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1591
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of listening to self-chosen music on the quality of life of family caregivers of cancer patients receiving palliative home care. A total of 82 family caregivers were assigned either to the intervention group [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of listening to self-chosen music on the quality of life of family caregivers of cancer patients receiving palliative home care. A total of 82 family caregivers were assigned either to the intervention group (n = 41) or to the control group (n = 41) in this double-blind, multicentre, randomised controlled clinical trial. The recruitment period was between July 2020 and September 2021. The intervention group received individualised pre-recorded music in daily 30 min sessions for 7 consecutive days. The control group was given a recorded repetition of the basic therapeutic training education also in 30 min sessions for 7 consecutive days. The primary endpoint assessed was the caregivers’ quality of life (Quality of Life Family Version and European Quality of Life visual analogue scale) before and after the intervention. The secondary endpoint was their perceived satisfaction with the intervention (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire). The music intervention was successful, producing a tangible improvement in the caregivers’ quality of life (p < 0.01) and satisfaction with the care provided (p = 0.002). The intervention was not only effective but produced no adverse effects. This study encourages the use of self-chosen music as a complementary intervention in nursing care for family caregivers of palliative cancer patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Care for Cancer Patients)
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12 pages, 292 KiB  
Article
Cancer Patients’ Satisfaction with In-Home Palliative Care and Its Impact on Disease Symptoms
by Inmaculada Valero-Cantero, Cristina Casals, Milagrosa Espinar-Toledo, Francisco Javier Barón-López, Francisco Javier Martínez-Valero and María Ángeles Vázquez-Sánchez
Healthcare 2023, 11(9), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11091272 - 29 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1756
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine whether the satisfaction of cancer patients with in-home palliative care is associated with the impact of disease symptoms and with self-perceived quality of life. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted in the primary health [...] Read more.
The aim of the study was to determine whether the satisfaction of cancer patients with in-home palliative care is associated with the impact of disease symptoms and with self-perceived quality of life. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted in the primary health care sector in six clinical management units, where 72 patients were recruited over a period of six months. The severity of symptoms was determined by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). Quality of life was evaluated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 3) questionnaire, and patients’ satisfaction with the care received was evaluated by the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8). The patients’ satisfaction with the health care received was represented by an average score of 6, on a scale of 1–10; thus, there is room for improvement in patient satisfaction. Moreover, it was found that more intense symptoms and lower quality of life are associated with lower satisfaction with health care received (p = 0.001). Similarly, when symptoms are more severe, the quality of life is lower (p < 0.001). The identification of fatigue, reduced well-being, pain, drowsiness, and depression as the symptoms experienced with the highest intensity by our patients provides valuable information for health care providers in developing individualized symptom management plans for patients with advanced cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Care for Cancer Patients)
10 pages, 244 KiB  
Article
Burden of Family Caregivers of Patients with Oral Cancer in Home Care in Taiwan
by Tzu-Ting Chang, Shu-Yuan Liang and John Rosenberg
Healthcare 2023, 11(8), 1107; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11081107 - 12 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1295
Abstract
Oral cancer is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in Taiwan. The complications and side effects of oral cancer treatment cause a tremendous burden on patients’ family caregivers. This study explored the burden on primary family caregivers of patients with oral [...] Read more.
Oral cancer is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in Taiwan. The complications and side effects of oral cancer treatment cause a tremendous burden on patients’ family caregivers. This study explored the burden on primary family caregivers of patients with oral cancer and its related factors. One hundred and seven patients with oral cancer and their primary family caregivers were included through convenience sampling. The Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA) scale was employed as the primary research instrument. The primary factors of caregiver burden, in descending order, were disrupted schedules (M = 3.19, SD = 0.84), a lack of family support (M = 2.82, SD = 0.85), health problems (M = 2.67, SD = 0.68), and financial problems (M = 2.59, SD = 0.84). The CRA scores of the caregivers differed significantly in terms of education level (t = 2.57, p < 0.05) and household income (F = 4.62, p < 0.05), which significantly predicted caregiver burden (R2 = 0.11, F = 4.32, p = 0.007). The study results provide a reference for healthcare professionals to identify the factors for family caregiver burden, as well as the characteristics of patients and family caregivers particularly vulnerable to caregiver burden, thus improving family-centred care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Care for Cancer Patients)
15 pages, 259 KiB  
Article
Therapeutic Communication Experiences of Nurses Caring for Patients with Hematology
by Hyun-Jung Lee, Bom-Mi Park, Mi-Jin Shin and Do-Yeon Kim
Healthcare 2022, 10(12), 2403; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10122403 - 30 Nov 2022
Viewed by 5703
Abstract
Nurses who take care of patients with hematology have more difficulty in therapeutic communication. The aim of this study is to explore the therapeutic communication experiences of nurses caring for patients with hematology and the meaning of the essential structure of therapeutic communication. [...] Read more.
Nurses who take care of patients with hematology have more difficulty in therapeutic communication. The aim of this study is to explore the therapeutic communication experiences of nurses caring for patients with hematology and the meaning of the essential structure of therapeutic communication. Colaizzi’s phenomenological method was applied to explore the essential structures and meanings of therapeutic communication in depth through a focus group interview. The interview was conducted at a tertiary care hospital with 20 nurses caring for patients with hematology. As a result of the analyses, 22 themes, 14 theme clusters, and 5 categories were derived. The categories derived from the analyses included “acquiring core competencies as nursing professionals”, “improving patient-centered nursing performance”, “forming a partnership treatment relationship”, “obtaining clinical performance skills to solve problems”, and “preparing efficient system improvement”. Based on this study’s results, it will be possible to provide high-quality nursing to patients by improving the therapeutic communication ability of nurses caring for patients with hematology. In addition, it will be the basis for the development of a nurses’ therapeutic communication promotion program for nurses caring for such patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Care for Cancer Patients)
12 pages, 897 KiB  
Article
Correlation between Quality of Life under Treatment and Current Life Satisfaction among Cancer Survivors Aged 75 Years and Older Receiving Outpatient Chemotherapy in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
by Yoshiko Kitamura, Hisao Nakai, Tomoe Hashimoto, Yuko Morikawa and Yoshiharu Motoo
Healthcare 2022, 10(10), 1863; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10101863 - 24 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1591
Abstract
Life satisfaction is increasingly important for older cancer survivors as the global population ages and the life expectancy 29 of cancer survivors increases. This study sought to identify factors associated with physical symptoms, quality of life under treatment, and current life satisfaction in [...] Read more.
Life satisfaction is increasingly important for older cancer survivors as the global population ages and the life expectancy 29 of cancer survivors increases. This study sought to identify factors associated with physical symptoms, quality of life under treatment, and current life satisfaction in cancer survivors aged 75 years and older receiving outpatient chemotherapy. Information about treatment for cancer survivors was collected from electronic medical records, and interviews were conducted to assess life satisfaction under treatment. Participants were older cancer survivors in Ishikawa, Japan. Of the participants, 80% lived on the Noto Peninsula. The average linear distance traveled for treatment was 40.7 km. The factors associated with patients’ dissatisfaction with their current lives included general malaise (odds ratio: 9.61; 95% confidence interval: 1.28–72.22) and being less happy now than when they were younger (odds ratio: 10.559; 95% confidence interval: 1.50–74.24). In outpatient cancer treatment for survivors aged 75 years and older, support should consider the distance to the hospital. As in past studies, general malaise was shown to have a negative impact on the lives of cancer survivors aged 75 years or older. Support providers should pay attention to patients’ general malaise when providing support. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Care for Cancer Patients)
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Review

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11 pages, 485 KiB  
Review
Nursing Interventions in the Perioperative Pathway of the Patient with Breast Cancer: A Scoping Review
by Mafalda Martins Cardoso, Cristina Lavareda Baixinho, Gilberto Tadeu Reis Silva and Óscar Ferreira
Healthcare 2023, 11(12), 1717; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11121717 - 12 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2843
Abstract
The decrease in average hospitalisation time and the increase in outpatient surgery in some types of breast cancer represent gains for the reduction of the negative impact of hospitalisation in women with breast cancer but are also a challenge for the organisation of [...] Read more.
The decrease in average hospitalisation time and the increase in outpatient surgery in some types of breast cancer represent gains for the reduction of the negative impact of hospitalisation in women with breast cancer but are also a challenge for the organisation of nursing care to prepare women for surgery, reduce anxiety about the interventions, and ensure continuity of care in the postoperative period. The aim of this study is to identify nursing interventions present in the care provided to patients with breast cancer during the perioperative period. A scoping review was the method chosen to answer the research question: What are the specialised nursing interventions in the perioperative pathway of the patient with breast cancer? Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined for the articles that were identified in the CINAHL and MEDLINE databases; later, additional sources were identified from the list of bibliographic references for each selected study. The final bibliographical sample consisted of seven articles, which allowed the identification of three key moments of nursing interventions in the perioperative period of patients with breast cancer: the preoperative consultation, the reception of the patient in the operating room, and the postoperative consultation. Factors such as psychological, emotional, and spiritual support, communication and patient-centred care, health education and surgical safety, and the definition of a perioperative pathway for these patients contribute significantly to patients’ satisfaction and the improvement of their quality of life. The results of this study make it possible to establish recommendations for practise and for research, increasing the range of nurses’ actions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Care for Cancer Patients)
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17 pages, 649 KiB  
Review
Foot Health in People with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Scoping Review
by Raquel Veiga-Seijo and Cristina Gonzalez-Martin
Healthcare 2023, 11(11), 1588; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11111588 - 29 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1370
Abstract
Background: Chemotherapy has relevant implications for cancer patients’ physical, social, and psychological health. Foot health has gained relevance in recent years due to its importance to independence and wellbeing, especially in chronic conditions. This study aims to explore the scope of the literature [...] Read more.
Background: Chemotherapy has relevant implications for cancer patients’ physical, social, and psychological health. Foot health has gained relevance in recent years due to its importance to independence and wellbeing, especially in chronic conditions. This study aims to explore the scope of the literature regarding foot health problems in people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR, Arksey and O’Malley, and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Different databases were used (Cochrane Plus, Scopus, Web of Science, and Pubmed). A total of 4911 articles were identified. Finally, 11 papers were included. Results: Foot problems are relevant and deteriorate wellbeing. The prevalence of some podiatric pathologies is controversial. The main literature deals with hand–foot syndrome and peripheral neuropathy. Focused instruments on foot health were not thoroughly used. Conclusion: There is insufficient evidence on foot health problems and their influence on the quality of life of people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Even though a significant percentage of this population has a foot problem, its care and importance are neglected. More studies are needed to contribute to the care of people with cancer through foot health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Care for Cancer Patients)
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Other

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12 pages, 263 KiB  
Brief Report
Caregiver Burden among Family Caregivers of Cancer Survivors Aged 75 Years or Older in Japan: A Pilot Study
by Yoshiko Kitamura, Hisao Nakai, Yukie Maekawa, Hisako Yonezawa, Kazuko Kitamura, Tomoe Hashimoto and Yoshiharu Motoo
Healthcare 2023, 11(4), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11040473 - 6 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1471
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the burden of caregiving among family caregivers of cancer survivors aged 75 years or older in Japan. We included family caregivers of cancer survivors aged 75 years or older who were attending two hospitals in [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to assess the burden of caregiving among family caregivers of cancer survivors aged 75 years or older in Japan. We included family caregivers of cancer survivors aged 75 years or older who were attending two hospitals in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, or receiving treatment during home visits. A self-administered questionnaire was developed based on previous studies. We obtained 37 responses from 37 respondents. Excluding those with incomplete responses, we had data from 35 respondents for analysis. The factor that significantly influenced the burden of caregiving for cancer survivors aged 75 years or older and family caregivers living together was the provision of full-time care (p = 0.041). Helping cancer survivors manage money (p = 0.055) was also associated with a higher burden. For family caregivers living separately, a more detailed examination of the association between the sense of caregiving burden and distance of travel to provide home-visit care is necessary, along with more support to attend hospitals with cancer survivors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Care for Cancer Patients)
25 pages, 1241 KiB  
Systematic Review
Couple-Based Communication Interventions for Cancer Patient–Spousal Caregiver Dyads’ Psychosocial Adaptation to Cancer: A Systematic Review
by Junrui Zhou, Xuan Chen, Zhiming Wang and Qiuping Li
Healthcare 2023, 11(2), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11020236 - 12 Jan 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1887
Abstract
(1) Background: Effective communication among couples in which one has been diagnosed with cancer is critical to improve their psychosocial adaptation to cancer. The objective of this review was to explore the characteristics and measurement outcomes of existing couple-based communication interventions in the [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Effective communication among couples in which one has been diagnosed with cancer is critical to improve their psychosocial adaptation to cancer. The objective of this review was to explore the characteristics and measurement outcomes of existing couple-based communication interventions in the cancer context. (2) Methods: Eight electronic databases were searched from database initiation to August 2022 to identify eligible articles. Hand searching was also performed on the included articles’ reference lists and authors. (3) Results: A total of 14 intervention studies were eligible to be included in this review. Cancer couples with distress or communication problems before intervention were more likely to benefit from the couple-based communication interventions. Positive outcomes were reported, including an improvement in relationship functioning (including mutual communication, intimacy, and relationship satisfaction) and individual functioning (including a decline of anxiety, depression and cancer-related concerns, and an increase in psychological adjustment and quality of life). (4) Conclusions: These findings supported the importance of improving mutual communication behaviors to promote cancer patient–spousal caregiver dyads’ psychosocial adaptation to cancer. While most included studies were conducted in western countries and the sample size was relatively small, more research is warranted to develop more efficacious couple-based communication interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Care for Cancer Patients)
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