Date of Graduation

Fall 12-17-2017

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

First Advisor

Margaret Levine

Second Advisor

Mary Seed

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction Cancer survivors can face post-cancer treatment effects that need addressing throughout their care trajectory. Education provided to stakeholders and patients will be beneficial in preventing fragmented care, increasing patient satisfaction, and expanding ongoing supportive clinical survivorship care. Methods An adapted Dr. Joanne Lester survivorship needs survey was given to n=7 post-cancer treatment patients within a northern California cancer patient advisory committee. The survey results were analyzed to identify common underserved chronic long-term survivorship needs. Based on the data, an evidence-based educational component was included within a booklet to enhance future survivorship care. Additional surveys were sent to stakeholders within the oncology clinic and to the committee survivors to ensure that the educational information for the booklet was accurate and supportive to patients. Results The Lester adapted survey had a 71% completion rate by the patient committee. An analysis of the survey results determined the most prevalent unaddressed symptoms after treatment including post-treatment skin issues, fatigue and depression. Overall, the results of the follow-up surveys were positive with most participants either strongly agreeing or agreeing with the evidence-based research and interventions within the booklet component. 20% of those surveyed felt that the material on skin care could be expanded further, which was addressed by incorporating additional researched information into the post-treatment skin care section. Conclusions By integrating informational literature for post-treatment patients improvements in survivorship care were made, which reduces educational deficits within an oncology clinic setting. The results from the original and follow-up surveys highlight the need for ongoing support in the cancer survivorship population.

Keywords: survivorship, post-treatment, oncology, support

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