Dyadic coping and cancer survivorship: The advanced practice nursing role.

Abstract

Surviving cancer is a phenomenon that has evolved from improved cancer treatments. Who are Cancer Survivors and what does Cancer Survivorship mean? The terms have different meanings to different people. Whilst a cancer diagnosis poses a challenge to partner relationships, raising feelings of fear, loss, pain and confusion, it is also a phenomenon that has the potential to transform the identity of the survivor and their partner. The Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) in Cancer Care plays a vital role in this transformation. This presentation outlines how the APN provides coordination of care and comprehensive assessment, facilitates diagnostic testing and ancillary services, provides a summary of treatment recommendations, and most importantly follows up during the decision making process to the cancer survivor and their partner from the commencement of their treatment and beyond. It also illustrates the patient education the APN provides regarding treatment choices and the availability and potential benefits of clinical trials. In addition, the APN assesses their own performance through the use of evidence-based clinical guidelines and incorporates relevant statistics and survey instruments as necessary to inform clinical decision-making. The expert nursing skills of the advanced practice nurse are emphasized and discussed in this presentation; and their contribution to the cancer survivor dyad's quality of life and treatment outcomes are explored.<br />