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The Nurse’S Role In Prognosis-Related Communication In Pediatric Oncology Nursing Practice, Amy Rose Newman, Lauri Linder, Kristin Haglund

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

The experiences of pediatric oncology nurses with prognosis-related communication (PRC) remain largely unknown. The purpose of this article is to report results of focus groups wherein 15 pediatric oncology nurses from three Midwestern pediatric cancer programs provided descriptions of PRC and how they experience PRC within their daily practice. Data from focus groups were analyzed via an interpretive descriptive approach, which resulted in three themes: (1) nurses’ operational definition of PRC, (2) nurses’ roles in PRC, and (3) nurses’ preparation for engagement in PRC. From discussions within the focus groups, nurses recognized that PRC occurs across a continuum. Nurses distinguished …

Pediatric Oncology Nurses’ Perceptions Of Prognosis-Related Communication, Amy Rose Newman, Kristin Haglund, Cheryl C. Rodgers

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Disclosure of prognosis-related information is an essential aspect of communication with pediatric patients with cancer and their families. The nurse is believed to play an important role in this process, but nurse perceptions and experiences have not been well-described.

Purpose

Provide an exploration of pediatric oncology nurses’ experiences with prognosis-related communication (PRC).

Method

Mixed-methods, multiphase design. This paper highlights the qualitative portion of the study.

Findings

Three themes were identified: Importance of collaboration, impact of PRC, and delivery of prognostic information.

Discussion

Collaboration is a critical element of PRC. Nurses are often not included in the disclosure process, which …