Provider communication is extremely important, especially when dealing with a pediatric cancer diagnosis. In this episode of “The Vitals,” Bryan A. Sisk, MD, MSCI, assistant professor of pediatric hematology and oncology at the Washington University School of Medicine discusses his recent research on communication barriers between healthcare providers and children with cancer and their families.

While some of these issues can be found in the broader cancer space, others – like how much information to give a 6-year-old versus a 16-year-old – align more with the intricacies of pediatrics. Sisk talks about this, and the improvements he hopes to see in this space in years to come.

Podcasts

A Chat on Communication Barriers in Childhood Cancer

Clinicians, patients, and caregivers alike all reported that they want cancer to be a communal experience – meaning that they feel that they are supported in the journey. However, certain factors can lead to feelings of isolation. 

In this episode of “The Vitals,” we spoke with Jody Koenig Kellas, PhD, department chair and professor, interpersonal, family, and health communication at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Her research looked at the communal cancer experience, and gives clinicians direct tips on how they can reframe hope for patients and caregivers.

Focus on ‘A Different Kind of Hope’ in Cancer

Health care providers are facing an increasing amount of stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are certain factors that may make some people at a higher risk for distress than others. In this episode of “The Vitals,” we spoke to Fuschia Sirois, PhD, BSc, SFHEA, reader in social and health psychology at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom.

Sirois analyzed clinician stress not only during the COVID-19 pandemic, but during other infectious outbreaks as well. Her research noted which groups of clinicians had higher rates of poor mental health during the pandemic, as well as which factors help to build resiliency.

Clinician Distress: Know Your Risks

A recent study found that 19% of patients with cancer engaged in nonmedical opioid use. In this episode of “The Vitals,” we spoke with study author Sriram Yennu, MD, MS, FAAHPM, study author and professor in the department of palliative care and rehabilitation medicine at MD Anderson. Yennu outlined the risk factors that he and his team found for opioid misuse, as well as what nurses can do to promote safer opioid use.

The following factors were independently associated with nonmedical behavior: Marital status

Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale pain level

Read more: https://www.oncnursingnews.com/web-exclusives/1-in-5-patients-engage-in-nonmedical-opioid-use

A recent study found that 19% of patients with cancer engaged in nonmedical opioid use.

Nonmedical Opioid Use: Identify the Risks

As more health care providers and the general public get vaccinated against COVID-19, some people may be tempted to ease up on social distancing and mask-wearing efforts. However, people should continue to take appropriate precautions, especially if they have cancer or care for a loved one with cancer, explained Emily Beard, RN, OCN, CBCN, the program coordinator of breast cancer at Northside Cancer Institute in Atlanta, GA.

“It’s easy to want to go back to normal… it’s going to take some time before we really see the effects of this mass vaccination effort,” Beard said.

It's not time to throw away the masks just yet. 

COVID-19 Vaccine 'Not a Quick Fix' for Social Distancing Measures

Oncology nurse practitioners are both competent and compassionate, and undergo rigorous academic and clinical training to earn the NP next to their name. However, many states still require them to work under the supervision of a physician. 

For this episode, we spoke with Sophia L. Thomas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP, president of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, about the importance of nurse practitioners, and why current regulatory models are outdated. 

Nurse Practitioners Speak Out Against 'Outdated' Practice Models

The World Health Organization deemed 2020 the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. Theresa Brown, RN, deemed it the year of the nurse’s voice. 

In this episode, we spoke with Brown, a nurse and best-selling author, about her recent online 

to have a nurse on president-elect Joe Biden’s COVID-19 task force. She said that now, more than ever, it is vital for nurses to have their voices heard. After more than 46,000 people signed the petition, Biden appointed Jane Hopkins, RNMH, a nurse from Seattle, to the taskforce. 

Will COVID-19 Get Nurses the Recognition They Deserve? 

In this episode, we spoke with Brown, a nurse and best-selling author, about her recent online petition to have a nurse on president-elect Joe Biden’s COVID-19 task force. She said that now, more than ever, it is vital for nurses to have their voices heard.
 

The Year of the Nurses' Voice

Patients who are LGBTQ and have cancer may be more prone to cancer and other health disparities. However, oncology nurses and their colleagues can make a major impact on the care that they receive.

For this episode, we'll hear from Matthew B. Schabath, an associate member of the Moffitt Cancer Center, about steps clinicians can take to create a more welcoming cancer care environment.

How to Create a Welcoming Environment for LGBTQ Patients

A recent study led by Bethany J. Petronio-Coia, PhD, RN, a nurse educator at the Rhode Island College School of Nursing, discovered the characteristics of “approachable” nurses caring for school-aged children who were hospitalized for cancer. From compassionate listening to syringe water fights, they shared some creative ways that nurses have managed to make their care a bit less scary. 

https://www.oncnursingnews.com/web-exclusives/a-smiling-nurse-makes-all-the-difference-in-pediatric-oncology

From compassionate listening to syringe water fights, children shared some creative ways that nurses have managed to make their care a bit less scary. 

Capturing the Voice of the Child in Cancer Care

The world of oncology is continuously changing, often making it difficult for oncology nurses — especially those who are just starting their career in the cancer setting – to keep up. So, Kellie Zeichner, RN, BSN, OCN, an oncology nurse at the 

, worked with an interdisciplinary team to create reference sheets containing key information about oncology drugs.

“When they were done with orientation, I didn’t want them to feel like they were alone,” Zeichner said in this interview with 

Reference sheets gave new and experienced nurses alike snapshots of important information.