Pancreatic cancer: a continuum of care

The effect of a Frequently Asked Questions module on a pancreatic cancer Web site patient/family chat room

The Internet provides access to health information and a supportive community with similar illness concerns. Securing accurate information about treatment and prognosis is important to those with pancreatic cancer given its high mortality and short survival. The purpose of this descriptive-comparative study was to determine the effect of a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) module on postings in the chat room of a pancreatic cancer Web site. Six hundred postings were analyzed. Three themes were isolated: information seeking, giving, or both; support seeking, giving, or both; and reporting status or death. Information included treatments, nutrition, prognosis, end-of-life care, cost of care, symptoms, and support (social, emotional, spiritual, or physical). A greater proportion of postings sought information after the FAQ module was added, although questions about medical treatment decreased, whereas questions about prognosis and end-of-life care nearly doubled. There was no difference in the proportion of postings addressing support. Medical treatment was the most common treatment reported and pain was the most common symptom reported. This study supported the addition of a FAQ module to a pancreatic cancer Web site and revealed the need for information regarding pain management and care giving at the end of life.

Nutritional care of surgical oncology patients

OBJECTIVES

To review nutritional management of surgical oncology patients, particularly patients with head and neck cancer and gastrointestinal malignancies.

DATA SOURCES

Professional journal articles, published research findings, and book chapters related to the nutritional management of surgical oncology patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Meeting the nutritional needs of oncology patients is challenging. A multidisciplinary approach to the nutritional management of the surgical oncology patient is essential to ensure comprehensive care and assistance in the recovery process.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nurses need to have an understanding of the impact of both the disease process and surgical intervention on the nutritional needs of oncology patients to improve the quality of care and quality of life for these special populations.