The value of a breast care nurse in supporting rural and remote cancer patients in Queensland

Eley, Robert M. and Rogers-Clark, Cath and Murray, Kay (2008) The value of a breast care nurse in supporting rural and remote cancer patients in Queensland. Cancer Nursing, 31 (6). pp. 10-18. ISSN 0162-220X

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Official URL: http://www.cancernursingonline.com/pt/re/nca/issuelist.htm;jsessionid=Lh0S9G1XP3Ct0nv5dwvzwqmPd1YtLpnXd9PBhmQGM5R3BLW8QvGy!-1696092046!181195628!8091!-1

Identification Number or DOI: doi: 10.1097/01.NCC.0000339246.60700.cf

Abstract

The role of the Breast Care Nurse in Queensland’s Supporting Rural Women with Breast Cancer Project was evaluated by mixed methodology. Through questionnaire and interview patients provided views about the nurse’s role under categories of Awareness, Access, Coordination, Information and Psychosocial, Emotional and Practical support. Of the 51 participants 37 resided in rural and remote areas with 18 living between 100 and 500 miles from specialised breast care services. The BCN met with patients at their regular hospital visits and was available by telephone at any time. There was overwhelming agreement among the participants that the timing of contact, ease of accessibility, information provided and support offered were extremely valuable in making their treatment and recovery easier. The vast majority of participants would recommend hospitals with a BCN to their friends. Members of the multidisciplinary care team provided views on Awareness of the BCN, Influence on Care Management, Communication and Patient Outcomes. They recognised the benefits of the BCN to patients and to coordination and liaison of the team. The findings concur with unpublished Australian reports that demonstrate the success of dedicated Breast Care Nurses. The BCN model of care could be used successfully to support other medical conditions.

Item Type:Article (Commonwealth Reporting Category C)
Additional Information:Author's version deposited in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher (not the final Published version).
Uncontrolled Keywords:breast cancer; nursing; Australia; breast care nurse; rural health
Fields of Research (FOR2008):11 Medical and Health Sciences > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111708 Health and Community Services
11 Medical and Health Sciences > 1112 Oncology and Carcinogenesis > 111299 Oncology and Carcinogenesis not elsewhere classified
11 Medical and Health Sciences > 1110 Nursing > 111004 Clinical Nursing: Tertiary (Rehabilitative)
Subjects:320000 Medical and Health Sciences
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO2008):C Society > 92 Health > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920210 Nursing
ID Code:3704
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Deposited On:11 Dec 2008 15:56
Last Modified:23 Feb 2012 15:17

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