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Implementing Serious Illness Conversations In A Gastrointestinal Oncology Clinic: A Mixed Method Evaluation Of A Quality Improvement Initiative In A Boston Hospital, Rhaea N. Photopoulos

DNP Scholarly Projects

INTRODUCTION: Many times, advanced care planning happens too late in patients with metastatic gastrointestinal cancer, patients and families are not educated on prognostic awareness and are often not well and poorly equipped to make informed end of life decisions.

AVAILABLE KNOWLEDGE: A Serious Illness Conversation guide was developed and implemented in a Boston hospital to aid practitioners (oncology nurse practitioners and oncologists) in facilitating advanced care planning. The aim of this study was to describe provider experience with the conversation guide and understand facilitators and barriers to implementation of advanced care planning.

METHODS: The Plan Do Study Act Method of …

Utilizing Telecommunication To Provide Patient Centered Care For Adults Newly Diagnosed With Gi Cancer: A Quality Improvement Project, Laurie Miller

DNP Scholarly Projects

INTRODUCTION: A confirmed diagnosis of GI Cancer causes anxiety and stress as patients become overwhelmed with questions, worries and fears. At diagnosis, patients are not yet formally connected to the support services available to those actively receiving chemotherapy, creating a “gap period”. To help reduce anxiety, as well as, foster therapeutic relationships and improve overall patient experiences, a structured telephone communication by the gastrointestinal cancer oncology nurse practitioner (GI NP) was proposed.

AVAILABLE KNOWLEDGE: Reduction of anxiety has been shown to enhance the quality of life, increase compliance with a prescribed treatment plan and foster the ability to sign informed …