Breast Cancer Survivor Symptoms: A Comparison of Physicians' Consultation Records and Nurse-Led Survivorship Care Plans.

Publisher: Oncology Nursing Press Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 9705336 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1538-067X (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 10921095 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Clin J Oncol Nurs

Original Publication: Pittsburgh, PA : Oncology Nursing Press, [1997-

Cancer Survivors/*statistics & numerical data ; Continuity of Patient Care/*statistics & numerical data ; Nursing Staff, Hospital/*statistics & numerical data ; Patient Care Planning/*statistics & numerical data ; Physicians/*statistics & numerical data ; Practice Patterns, Physicians'/*statistics & numerical data ; Referral and Consultation/*standards ; Symptom Assessment/*standards; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Australia ; Breast Neoplasms/physiopathology ; Breast Neoplasms/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Longitudinal Studies ; Middle Aged ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Referral and Consultation/statistics & numerical data ; Retrospective Studies ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Survivorship ; Symptom Assessment/statistics & numerical data ; Young Adult

Background: Survivorship care plans (SCPs) have been used to address ongoing health problems associated with the diagnosis and treatment of early-stage breast cancer.
Objectives: The aim of this article was to determine whether nurse-led consultations using SCPs, as compared with a standard medical consultation, identify more side effects and supportive care needs and lead to appropriate referral patterns.
Methods: The study audited 160 retrospective medical clinic and nursing SCP records in a sample of patients receiving treatment for early-stage breast cancer at a tertiary-level breast service in Australia.
Findings: Breast care nurses (BCNs) undertaking SCPs at a nurse-led consultation were significantly more likely than physicians to record symptoms related to menopausal/hormonal therapy, psychosocial/mental health, lifestyle, bone health, and sexuality. BCNs were also significantly more likely to refer patients for concerns related to psychosocial/mental health, lifestyle, and sexuality.

Keywords: breast care nurses; early-stage breast cancer; survivorship care plan

Date Created: 20200523 Date Completed: 20210805 Latest Revision: 20210805

20221213

10.1188/20.CJON.E34-E42

32441685