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ABSTRACT Along the east coast of central Florida in the Indian River Lagoon system, intense recreational boating activity occurs year-round, and intertidal reefs of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin) [...]

BACKGROUND: Oncology nurses face unique challenges in the care of patients from culturally diverse backgrounds. Culture, values, and preferences play important roles in patient decision-making regarding goals of care and treatment. OBJECTIVES: This article describes the content and outcome of an educational seminar for nurse residents, which uses storytelling to highlight the relationship between dynamic cultural influences and ethical decision-making. METHODS: A 75-minute didactic seminar using storytelling, role-playing, and simulation was incorporated into a nurse residency program. Stories illustrate the role of oncology nurses in protecting and advocating for vulnerable patients, respecting and accommodating cultural differences, and increasing self-awareness of personal values that may influence decisions. Tests were administered to participants before, immediately after, and three months after the seminar to measure changes in knowledge. FINDINGS: Over one year, 107 novice oncology nurses, in five cohorts, attended the seminar. Results demonstrated an overall increase and sustainment of knowledge regarding ethical decision-making in nurse residents and illustrated the effectiveness of storytelling as a method to promote ethical decision-making among staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Language and cultural barriers can impede communication between patients and clinicians, exacerbating health inequity. Additional complications can arise when family members, intending to protect their loved ones, ask clinicians to lie or not disclose to patients their diagnoses, prognoses, or intervention options. Clinicians must express respect for patients' and families' cultural, religious, and social norms regarding health care decision making, but they might also be ethically troubled by some decisions' effects on patients' health outcomes. This article suggests strategies for clinicians trying to overcome linguistic and cultural barriers to equitable patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice (EBP) uses current and best evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values to drive clinical decisions. Organizations struggle with building and sustaining an EBP-focused culture. OBJECTIVES: This article shares the development and implementation of SEEK™ (Spirit of Inquiry, Expanding EBP Knowledge), an educational initiative on how to apply EBP processes at a Magnet®- and National Cancer Institute– designated comprehensive cancer center. METHODS: Participants learned principles of the EBP process using didactic sessions, small group exercises, and article critiques. With mentor guidance, participants searched for and appraised evidence, proposed interventions, designed an implementation plan, and developed metrics to measure results. FINDINGS: To date, 56 SEEK projects are in various stages of development and implementation. Based on postprogram survey results, SEEK participants and mentors demonstrated increased EBP knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]