A Nurse Practitioner Patient Care Team: Implications for Pediatric Oncology
This article provides health care professionals with information about the use of nurse practitioner patient care teams and implications for use in pediatric oncology. (Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing)
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - October 6, 2014 Category: Nursing Authors: Golden, J. R. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Knowledge and Risk Perception of Late Effects Among Childhood Cancer Survivors and Parents Before and After Visiting a Childhood Cancer Survivor Clinic
This study assessed knowledge and perceptions of late effects risk before and after a survivor clinic visit. Young adult survivors (≥ 16 years) and parents of child survivors (< 16 years) were recruited prior to initial visit to a cancer survivor program. Sixty-five participants completed a baseline survey and 50 completed both a baseline and follow-up survey. Participants were found to have a low perceived likelihood of developing a late effect of cancer therapy and many incorrect perceptions of risk for individual late effects. Low knowledge before clinic (odds ratio = 9.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-92.8; P = .0...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - October 6, 2014 Category: Nursing Authors: Cherven, B., Mertens, A., Meacham, L. R., Williamson, R., Boring, C., Wasilewski-Masker, K. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Music Therapy Services in Pediatric Oncology: A National Clinical Practice Review
This article presents the results of a national clinical practice review conducted in Australia of music therapy services in pediatric oncology hospitals. Literature specifically related to music therapy and symptom management in pediatric oncology is reviewed. The results from a national benchmarking survey distributed to all music therapists working with children with cancer in Australian pediatric hospitals are discussed. Patient and family feedback provided from a quality improvement activity conducted at a major pediatric tertiary hospital is summarized, and considerations for future growth as a profession and further...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - October 6, 2014 Category: Nursing Authors: Tucquet, B., Leung, M. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Life Satisfaction in Adult Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumors
Adult survivors of childhood brain tumors experience multiple, significant, lifelong deficits as a consequence of their malignancy and therapy. Current survivorship literature documents the substantial impact such impairments have on survivors’ physical health and quality of life. Psychosocial reports detail educational, cognitive, and emotional limitations characterizing survivors as especially fragile, often incompetent, and unreliable in evaluating their circumstances. Anecdotal data suggest some survivors report life experiences similar to those of healthy controls. The aim of our investigation was to determine w...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - October 6, 2014 Category: Nursing Authors: Crom, D. B., Li, Z., Brinkman, T. M., Hudson, M. M., Armstrong, G. T., Neglia, J., Ness, K. K. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Standardization of Health Care Provider Competencies for Intrathecal Access Procedures
Conclusion: This simulation strategy resulted in improved confidence in measuring ICP, performance-related overall anxiety, and confidence in administering chemotherapy. Confirmation bias occurred during simulation testing for a medication error. We propose this method for maintaining clinical competencies in health care providers and introducing new skills to existing practices. (Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing)
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - October 6, 2014 Category: Nursing Authors: McLaughlin, C. A., Hockenberry, M. J., Kurtzberg, J., Hueckel, R., Martin, P. L., Docherty, S. L. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Impact of a Teen Weekend on the Social Support Needs of Adolescents With Cancer
Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the psychosocial stressors of a cancer diagnosis because of the unique expectations of their developmental stage. Their developing autonomy and self-image place them at increased risk for negative outcomes related to cancer diagnosis. One response to the developmental and supportive care needs of adolescents with cancer (AYA) was the development of a teen weekend, named Teenapalooza by participants, which was intended to provide a social outlet for AYA to spend time with other AYA. Teens engaged in activities together and spent the night at a centrally located venue supervised by ...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - August 25, 2014 Category: Nursing Authors: Stegenga, K. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

"A Day in My life" Photography Project: The Silent Voice of Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Patients
A photovoice project was conducted with pediatric bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients to examine their coping skills and interpretation of their experience during a BMT, especially when hospitalized. We also wanted to determine how photovoice could be used within a pediatric BMT unit. Sixteen children (ages 4-14) and 2 young adults (ages 22 and 25) from a pediatric BMT unit participated in the project. Six BMT outpatients participated in the data analysis and evaluation phase. Fourteen clinical staff evaluated the impact of the project on their practice. Three primary themes emerged from the pre- and post-BMT photos, acc...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - August 25, 2014 Category: Nursing Authors: Breitwieser, C. L., Vaughn, L. M. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Aprepitant Reduces Chemotherapy-Induced Vomiting in Children and Young Adults With Brain Tumors
The objective was to determine whether a 5HT3 receptor antagonist and the addition of aprepitant, an NK1 antagonist without a corticosteroid, were effective in reducing HEC vomiting in pediatric brain tumor patients. Method: A retrospective review found that 18 patients with a history of high-grade vomiting during radiation were prescribed a 5HT3 receptor antagonist and aprepitant without a corticosteroid during their first course of HEC. To determine the efficacy of aprepitant without a corticosteroid, each recipient was matched with 2 controls who did not receiv aprepitant. Results: During HEC, controls without aprepitan...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - August 25, 2014 Category: Nursing Authors: Duggin, K., Tickle, K., Norman, G., Yang, J., Wang, C., Cross, S. J., Gajjar, A., Mandrell, B. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

The Teen Impact Experience: A Webcast Pilot Project for Teens With Cancer and Blood Diseases
This article discusses a novel service, webcasting of a live group, implemented in response to the 2009-2010 H1N1 Flu pandemic by Teen Impact, a program geared at providing social therapy to adolescents diagnosed with cancer or a blood disorder. To ensure that services were not disrupted to adolescents on treatment despite flu restrictions, Teen Impact obtained necessary equipment to webcast the group. A total of 6 Teen Impact members participated in the webcast portion of the group. Findings revealed that existing members who had participated in the face-to-face Teen group were left with feelings of dissatisfaction due to...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - August 25, 2014 Category: Nursing Authors: Gonzalez-Morkos, B., Zavala, O., Malogolowkin, M., Kuperberg, A. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Cultural Influences in Pediatric Cancer: From Diagnosis to Cure/End of Life
Conclusion: Increased awareness of cultural factors is needed to improve clinical care and reduce health disparities. Specific strategies to approach cultural differences are provided to enhance patient and family care from diagnosis to cure/end of life. (Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing)
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - August 25, 2014 Category: Nursing Authors: Gray, W. N., Szulczewski, L. J., Regan, S. M. P., Williams, J. A., Pai, A. L. H. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Survivors of Childhood Cancer Report High Levels of Independence Five Years After Diagnosis
The aim was to compare self-rated independence in childhood cancer survivors 5 years after diagnosis with corresponding ratings during initial cancer treatment and those in a comparison group. A further aim was to determine whether and how certain clinical and demographic variables affected self-rated independence. Self-rated independence, a dimension included in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measure DISABKIDS Chronic Generic Measure (DCGM-37), was assessed in a Swedish cohort of survivors (n = 63, aged 12-22 years) and compared with ratings during initial cancer treatment and those in an age-matched compariso...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - August 25, 2014 Category: Nursing Authors: Jervaeus, A., af Sandeberg, M., Johansson, E., Wettergren, L. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Evidence-Based Practice Recommendations to Prevent/Manage Post-Lumbar Puncture Headaches in Pediatric Patients Receiving Intrathecal Chemotherapy
Post-lumbar puncture headaches (PLPHs) are a known complication of lumbar puncture procedures. Children undergoing treatment for cancer often undergo multiple lumbar punctures, placing them at increased risk for PLPHs. There are currently no guidelines for the prevention or management of PLPHs in children. A team was therefore assembled to conduct a systematic review of the evidence in relationship to PLPHs in the pediatric population. Clinical questions were developed and used to guide the literature review. Twenty-four articles were deemed appropriate for use and were evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assess...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - June 13, 2014 Category: Nursing Authors: Rusch, R., Schulta, C., Hughes, L., Withycombe, J. S. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Effects of Leukoreduction and Premedication With Acetaminophen and Diphenhydramine in Minimizing Febrile Nonhemolytic Transfusion Reactions and Allergic Transfusion Reactions During and After Blood Product Administration: A Literature Review With Recommendations for Practice
Transfusion-related reactions cause unwanted interruptions in blood-product administration and potential complications for patients. The most common reactions are febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs) and allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs). The presence of leukocytes in blood products has been associated with these reactions, and efficacy of leukoreduction in minimizing FNHTRs and ATRs has recently been investigated. In addition, premedication with acetaminophen and diphenhydramine is the most widely used practice in minimizing FNHTRs and ATRs, yet the benefit of this is not supported by research. The aim ...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - June 13, 2014 Category: Nursing Authors: Duran, J., Siddique, S., Cleary, M. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Evidence-Based Recommendations for Fertility Preservation Options for Inclusion in Treatment Protocols for Pediatric and Adolescent Patients Diagnosed With Cancer
As survival rates improve for pediatric cancers, increased attention has been paid to late effects of cancer therapy, in particular, infertility. Fertility preservation options are available for pre- and postpubertal cancer patients; however, many providers lack knowledge regarding options. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive synthesis of current evidence and recommendations regarding fertility preservation options for children, adolescents, and young adults undergoing cancer treatment. A systematic search was performed to identify fertility preservation evidence. Fifty-three studies and 4 clinical guidel...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - June 13, 2014 Category: Nursing Authors: Fernbach, A., Lockart, B., Armus, C. L., Bashore, L. M., Levine, J., Kroon, L., Sylvain, G., Rodgers, C. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Neutropenia Precautions for Children Receiving Chemotherapy or Stem Cell Transplantation for Cancer
Infections in children and adolescents with cancer are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in those receiving chemotherapy who are neutropenic and/or immunocompromised. The aim of this article is to review existing evidence in order to provide a practice recommendation to prevent or minimize infections in neutropenic and/or immunocompromised patients receiving chemotherapy and/or stem cell transplant. Systematic reviews were undertaken and research was graded according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. A variety of interventions are implemente...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing - June 13, 2014 Category: Nursing Authors: Mize, L., Harris, N., Stokhuyzen, A., Avery, T., Cash, J., Kasse, M., Sanborn, C., Leonardelli, A., Rodgers, C., Hockenberry, M. Tags: Articles Source Type: research