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In 2023, for the first time, CANO-ACIO awarded three nursing students the Nursing Research Student Award for their successful abstracts. The award gave them an opportunity to present their research work during the annual CANO/ACIO conference that took place in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This innovative award approach was of particular importance for these three nursing students, one of whom was in an undergraduate nursing program, one in a Master’s program, and one in a doctoral program. As is evident in the descriptions below, the award was important to them because it gave them an opportunity to share their work with a national audience, as well as begin to see the larger world of oncology nursing research and its potential to change practice. Each of the individual presentations was amazing and greatly appreciated by all attendees of the Board-sponsored research workshop. Based on the feedback and the desire to profile the opportunity for other students in the future, each nursing student was invited to contribute to this Research Reflections Column. They were asked to discuss their personal experience and its impact on them. The following paragraphs are a summary of the synopsis they provided about their experiences.

Background: Approximately 82% of children with childhood cancer survive more than five years after diagnosis. Living as a cancer survivor elicits a new reality that can include psychosocial impacts. These psychosocial impacts interact collectively, especially regarding reassimilation, and are rarely explored. Objective: To explore the psychosocial impacts of surviving childhood cancer and reassimilation back into society in young adult survivors of childhood cancer. Methodology: Individual in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with childhood cancer survivors and explored psychosocial aspects associated with returning to work, school, and social environments after remission. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was conducted once interviews were manually transcribed. A group interview with survivors was held to discuss the study’s findings and interpretation. Results: Individual interviews and the group interview revealed three major themes: outlook on reassimilating, outlook on coping, and outlook on cancer. Conclusions: This work is a first step to understanding how survivors’ personal outlook on coping and healthcare system barriers play influential roles in reassimilation following cancer treatment. Survivors expressed the need for reliable survivorship information and improved communication with healthcare providers regarding what to expect, so they could feel prepared for life post-cancer. These aspects need to be explored more deeply through other qualitative studies.

Contexte : Environ 82 % des personnes atteintes d’un cancer pendant l’enfance survivent plus de 5 ans après le diagnostic. La survivance transforme leur quotidien et entraîne parfois des difficultés psycho­sociales. Les séquelles psychosociales – rarement étudiées – sont inter­reliées, surtout en ce qui concerne la réinsertion aux activités normales. Objectif : Examiner les effets psychosociaux de la survie au cancer pédiatrique et la réinsertion sociale des jeunes adultes. Méthodologie : Des entrevues individuelles semi-structurées détaillées ont été réalisées auprès de personnes ayant survécu à un cancer pédiatrique afin d’étudier les aspects psychologiques du retour au travail, à l’école et en société après la rémission. Après la transcription manuelle des entrevues, on a procédé à une analyse phénoménologique interprétative. Un groupe de discussion a été organisé pour permettre aux survivants de discuter des résultats de l’étude et de l’interprétation des données. Résultats : Les entrevues individuelles et le groupe de discussion ont fait ressortir trois grands thèmes : le regard porté sur la réinsertion, le regard porté sur l’adaptation et le regard porté sur le cancer. Conclusions : La présente recherche amorce une démarche visant à comprendre en quoi le regard que portent les survivants sur l’adaptation et les obstacles liés au système de santé influence la réintégration après le cancer. Les survivants ont exprimé le besoin d’obtenir des renseignements fiables sur la survivance au cancer et d’être mieux informés par leurs professionnels de la santé afin de se préparer à la vie après le cancer. Ces aspects devront faire l’objet d’autres études qualitatives détaillées.

In recent years, equity issues have taken on great importance, particularly in the field of oncology. Indeed, Canada has faced significant challenges, including global migration, limited resources, and climate changes that have exerted undeniable impacts on equity in cancer care services. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic was a significant milestone that exacerbated many pre-existing health inequities. Despite these challenges, oncology nurse researchers shoulder the responsibility to contribute to health and epistemic equity (i.e., creation, usage, and diffusion of knowledge). This responsibility transcends Canada’s official languages (French and English), reflecting Canada’s rich linguistic diversity, with more than 4.6 million individuals (12.7%) primarily using languages other than English or French at home, such as Mandarin, Yue, Cree languages, and many more (Statistics Canada, 2022). Numerous researchers, including those featured in this journal, have taken a proactive stance in raising awareness and advocating for improved oncology research on health and epistemic equity (Varcoe et al., 2015; Winkfield et al., 2020). Alongside scholars and researchers, numerous national and international organizations, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, have also expressed a commitment to address this crucial issue.

Background: Cancer care for Canadian cancer survivors remains fragmented. Little is known about the experience of Canadian oncology nurses providing cancer care for cancer survivors, as they transition from acute treatment to primary care. Objectives: This study aimed to (1) explore the experience of oncology nurses dealing with fragmented cancer care for cancer survivors in transition to survivorship; (2) identify oncology nurses’ perspectives about what promotes or inhibits their delivery of quality cancer care; and (3) obtain their suggestions to improve cancer care.Design: This study used a phenomenological design to explore the experience of oncology nurses in caring for cancer survivors during transition to survivorship and examine how the nurse participants describe their experience. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was used to develop themes from the data.Results: Three oncology nurses participated in this study. The following five themes emerged: (1) Under personal transition: nursing assessment, symptoms management, patient education, resources offered, refusing label of cancer survivors, promoting adjustment to a new normal life, promoting return to work, and recognizing meaning of survivorship; (2) Under cancer survivor’s care transition: promoting self-care management, communication, and maximal recovery of body functions; (3) Under nurse’s positive experience promoting delivery of quality cancer care: caring for cancer survivors, experience and knowledge, and advocate for cancer survivors; (4) Under barriers that negatively affected delivery of cancer care: low socioeconomic status (especially low income), cultures and languages barriers, and limited time providing nursing care; and (5) Suggestions to improve cancer care: establishing a new position – primary nurse, increasing the number of healthcare professionals, and improving knowledge, skills, and experience.Conclusion: Oncology nurses’ knowledge and experience provide a good foundation for quality cancer care and contribute to the health and wellbeing of cancer survivors.Keywords: oncology nurses, cancer care, treatment transition

Contexte : Au Canada, les soins offerts aux survivants du cancer demeurent fragmentés. On sait peu de choses de l’expérience des infirmières canadiennes en oncologie qui interviennent auprès des survivants du cancer pendant la transition du traitement actif vers les soins primaires.Objectifs de l’étude : 1) examiner l’expérience des infirmières en oncologie qui doivent composer avec les soins fragmentés que reçoivent les personnes en transition vers la phase de survivance; 2) comprendre les points de vue des infirmières en oncologie pour savoir ce qui facilite ou entrave la qualité des soins; 3) solliciter leurs suggestions pour améliorer les soins oncologiques.Devis : La présente étude utilise un devis phénoménologique pour consigner la description que font les infirmières en oncologie de leur expérience auprès des patients atteints de cancer en transition vers la phase de survivance afin de l’examiner en détail. Les données ont été recueillies dans le cadre d’entrevues semi-structurées; une analyse phénoménologique interprétative a ensuite permis d’en faire ressortir les thèmes.Résultats : Trois infirmières en oncologie ont pris part à l’étude, dont se dégagent les cinq thèmes suivants : 1) transition personnelle : évaluation infirmière, prise en charge des symptômes, enseignement au patient, ressources offertes, refus de l’étiquette de survivants, aide pour s’adapter à une nouvelle normalité et retourner au travail, reconnaissance de la signification de la phase de survivance; 2) transition des soins aux survivants du cancer : aide pour encourager les autosoins, la communication et le rétablissement optimal des fonctions corporelles; 3) expérience positive des infirmières favorisant la prestation de soins oncologiques de qualité : soins apportés aux survivants, expérience et connaissances, défense des intérêts des patients; 4) obstacles nuisant à la prestation des soins oncologiques : faible statut socio-économique (particulièrement le faible revenu), barrières de langues et de cultures, restriction du temps disponible pour les soins infirmiers; 5) suggestions pour améliorer les soins oncologiques : création d’un nouveau poste (infirmière primaire), augmentation du nombre de professionnels de la santé, amélioration des connaissances, des compétences et de l’expérience.Conclusion : Les connaissances et l’expérience des infirmières en oncologie forment la base de la qualité des soins prodigués aux personnes atteintes de cancer, et contribuent à la santé et au bien-être des survivants.Mots-clés : infirmières en oncologie, soins du cancer, transition post-traitement

BackgroundAdherence to diet and medical therapies are key to improving heart failure (HF) outcomes; however, nonadherence is common. While mobile apps may be a promising way to support patients with adherence via education and monitoring, HF patient perspectives regarding the use of apps for HF management in unknown. This data is critical for these tools to be successfully developed, implemented, and adopted to optimize adherence and improve HF outcomes.ObjectiveTo determine patients' needs, motivations, and challenges on the use of mobile apps to support HF management.MethodsA qualitative descriptive study using focus groups (n = 4,60 minutes) was conducted among HF patients from outpatient HF clinics in Toronto, Canada. The Diffusion of Innovation theory informed a ten-question interview guide. Interview transcripts were independently coded by two researchers and analyzed using content analysis.ResultsNineteen HF patients (65 ± 10 yrs, 12 men) identified a total of four key themes related to the use of mobile apps. The theme 'Factors impacting technology use by patients' identified motivations and challenges to app use, including access to credible information, easy and accessible user-interface. Three themes described patients' needs on the use of mobile apps to support HF management: 1) 'Providing patient support through access to information and self-monitoring', apps could provide education on HF-related content (e.g., diet, medication, symptoms); 2) 'Facilitating connection and communication', through information sharing with healthcare providers and connecting with other patients; 3) 'Patient preferences', app features such as reminders for medication, and visuals to show changes in HF symptoms were favoured.ConclusionsHF patients perceive several benefits and challenges to app use for HF self-management. Capitalizing on the benefits and addressing the challenges during the app development process may maximize adoption of such tools in this patient population.

Introduction: We established a patient centric navigation model embedded in primary care (PC) to support access to the broad range of health and social resources; the Access to Resources in the Community (ARC) model. Methods: We evaluated the feasibility of ARC using the rapid cycle evaluations of the intervention processes, patient and PC provider surveys, and navigator log data. PC providers enrolled were asked to refer patients in whom they identified a health and/or social need to the ARC navigator. Results: Participants: 26 family physicians in four practices, and 82 of the 131 patients they referred. ARC was easily integrated in PC practices and was especially valued in the non-interprofessional practices. Patient overall satisfaction was very high (89%). Sixty patients completed the post-intervention surveys, and 33 reported accessing one or more service(s). Conclusion: The ARC Model is an innovative approach to reach and support a broad range of patients access needed resources. The Model is feasible and acceptable to PC providers and patients, and has demonstrated potential for improving patients’ access to health and social resources. This study has informed a pragmatic randomized controlled trial to evaluate the ARC navigation to an existing web and telephone navigation service (Ontario 211).

The COVID-19 pandemic required oncology nursing researchers to immediately and drastically adjust their research activities. During the 33rd Annual CANO/ACIO Conference Roundtable Workshop October 2021 – Moving Research Forward During COVID-19, oncology nurses gathered to share and discuss strategies they will continue, conclude, and commence when leading research during and beyond the pandemic. Workshop participants identified the use of low technology, such as telephone and virtual calls without video, as a valuable data collection strategy they will continue for individual interviews. In contrast, attendees expressed their desire to stop conducting virtual focus groups when public health measures are lifted. Oncology nurses indicated an interest in beginning to use a hybrid in-person/virtual data collection approach and incorporate some technological features, such as QR codes, for recruiting participants. Workshop attendees also reflected on the impact of COVID‑19 on oncology nursing practice and education, highlighting future research priorities and considerations.

BackgroundNonadherence to diet and medical therapies in heart failure (HF) contributes to poor HF outcomes. Mobile apps may be a promising way to improve adherence because they increase knowledge and behavior change via education and monitoring. Well-designed apps with input from health care providers (HCPs) can lead to successful adoption of such apps in practice. However, little is known about HCPs’ perspectives on the use of mobile apps to support HF management. ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to determine HCPs’ perspectives (needs, motivations, and challenges) on the use of mobile apps to support patients with HF management. MethodsA qualitative descriptive study using one-on-one semistructured interviews, informed by the diffusion of innovation theory, was conducted among HF HCPs, including cardiologists, nurses, and nurse practitioners. Transcripts were independently coded by 2 researchers and analyzed using content analysis. ResultsThe 21 HCPs (cardiologists: n=8, 38%; nurses: n=6, 29%; and nurse practitioners: n=7, 33%) identified challenges and opportunities for app adoption across 5 themes: participant-perceived factors that affect app adoption—these include patient age, technology savviness, technology access, and ease of use; improved delivery of care—apps can support remote care; collect, share, and assess health information; identify adverse events; prevent hospitalizations; and limit clinic visits; facilitating patient engagement in care—apps can provide feedback and reinforcement, facilitate connection and communication between patients and their HCPs, support monitoring, and track self-care; providing patient support through education—apps can provide HF-related information (ie, diet and medications); and participant views on app features for their patients—HCPs felt that useful apps would have reminders and alarms and participative elements (gamification, food scanner, and quizzes). ConclusionsHCPs had positive views on the use of mobile apps to support patients with HF management. These findings can inform effective development and implementation strategies of HF management apps in clinical practice.