Objectives

To discuss the unmet needs of patients living with advanced cancer and their caregivers and to review strategies, including collaborating with community and non-profit organizations, to help improve the experience of living with, and beyond, advanced cancer.

Data Sources

Published articles, first person experience (SB), community organization input, and survey data (Canadian Cancer Society).

Conclusion

People living with advanced cancer face significant challenges, including persistent physical symptoms and psychosocial concerns, difficulties with coordination of care, and possible lack of available resources and supports if the person is no longer being followed by cancer health care professionals. More research is required to better understand the needs of patients and their caregivers living with advanced cancer. Existing resources and supports may be inadequate for this population, and delineation of the unique needs of this population may lead to tailored care plans and, ultimately, an improved experience for patients and caregivers alike.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Oncology nurses are ideally suited to care for this population to help elucidate their unique unmet needs and collaborate with patients and other clinicians to develop interventions to address such unmet needs. Oncology nurses can liaise with community organizations to identify sources of support and resources for patients and their loved ones and advocate for improved care for patients affected by advanced cancer.

中文翻译：

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支持晚期癌症患者及其护理人员：从个人经验到国家跨学科计划

目标

讨论晚期癌症患者及其护理人员未满足的需求，并审查策略，包括与社区和非营利组织合作，以帮助改善晚期癌症患者及其后的生活体验。

数据源

已发表文章、第一人称体验 (SB)、社区组织投入和调查数据（加拿大癌症协会）。

结论

晚期癌症患者面临着重大挑战，包括持续的身体症状和社会心理问题、协调护理方面的困难，以及如果癌症医疗保健专业人员不再跟踪该人，则可能缺乏可用资源和支持。需要更多的研究来更好地了解晚期癌症患者及其护理人员的需求。现有资源和支持可能不足以满足这一人群的需求，对这一人群的独特需求的描述可能会导致量身定制的护理计划，并最终改善患者和护理人员的体验。

对护理实践的影响

肿瘤科护士非常适合护理这一人群，以帮助阐明他们独特的未满足需求，并与患者和其他临床医生合作制定干预措施来解决此类未满足的需求。肿瘤科护士可以与社区组织联络，以确定患者及其亲人的支持和资源来源，并倡导改善对晚期癌症患者的护理。