Abstract
PurposeThe needs and concerns of patients with advanced breast cancer are changing at every phase of the care intervention. Management and coordination of hospital resources and services are also steadily evolving. The objective of the present expert report is to define a new oncology nursing role specialising in advanced breast cancer, to help guide patients throughout the whole healthcare itinerary.MethodsA group of eight experts in oncology nursing and medical oncology defined the content index of the curriculum document. A systematic review of bibliography was carried out, and the relevant contents were extracted. Based on these contents and the participants’ experience, recommendations were formulated and validated through a Delphi questionnaire and a participative meeting.ResultsThe advanced breast cancer clinical nurse (ABCCN) should develop a clinical, psychosocial role focused on coordinating patients in the healthcare network. The nurse would be in charge of evaluating and supervising the care administered and the healthcare resources used. The ABCCN should be aware and participate in the protocols and available resources, be able to solve conflicts, deal with burn-out signs and have clinical, coaching and team-working abilities. The proposed curriculum provides a specific process for the care of patients, as well as an implementation process.ConclusionsThe ABCCN’s role is crucial to assume the best care and the optimisation of available resources. This review and consensus document provides the required tools for the implementation in hospitals.
Highlights
Introduction and objectivesBreast cancer is the most common tumour among women in developed countries [1], and approximately one-third of patients in the clinic have advanced disease [2, 3].In recent years, there has been much progress in therapeutic options in advanced breast cancer, which has increased the disease control and has significantly contributed to improving prognosis in a substantial proportion of patients
The objective of the present expert report is to define a new oncology nursing role specialising in advanced breast cancer, to help guide patients throughout the whole healthcare itinerary
In coordination with oncologists specialised in breast cancer, they can accelerate healthcare processes, improve continuous care and minimise symptoms and adverse effects of treatment, as well as help patients cope with fears, improve relationship with their environment, detect situations of particular fragility and achieve quicker interventions
Summary
There has been much progress in therapeutic options in advanced breast cancer, which has increased the disease control and has significantly contributed to improving prognosis in a substantial proportion of patients. These patients require complex intervention and care, as well as good coordination of all specialists involved. These factors significantly influence on patients’ prognosis and quality of life [4, 5]. In particular, have a key role in the management of patients with advanced breast cancer, contributing with their perspective on patients’ experience in different therapeutic and medical situations. In coordination with oncologists specialised in breast cancer, they can accelerate healthcare processes, improve continuous care and minimise symptoms and adverse effects of treatment, as well as help patients cope with fears, improve relationship with their environment, detect situations of particular fragility and achieve quicker interventions
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