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The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted psychological well-being worldwide. Oncology health care professionals' (OHCPs') perceptions of psychological effects of COVID-19 among people in active cancer treatment were explored. Semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of OHCPs actively providing care were conducted. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using Atlas.ti v8 and thematic analysis. In total, 30 OHCPs participated. Most were registered nurses (70%), worked in outpatient setting (56.7%) and were in their current position 1–5 years (53.3%). Overarching themes are as follows: (a) cancer treatment disrupted due to patients' fear of exposure to COVID-19; (b) social distancing restrictions caused discontinued social support and supportive services that exacerbated psychological distress; (c) pandemic-related stressors led to overwhelmed coping skills; and (d) OHCPs played a vital role in providing emotional support and connecting patients with family/friends through technology. Behavioral health interventions should focus within the "new world of COVID-19" of reduced face-to-face support and increased online support for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To explore cancer survivors’ access to and use and disposal of opioids in the context of the opioid epidemic. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: Community-based recruitment strategies were employed for individuals aged 18 years or older who were previously diagnosed with cancer, completed cancer treatment within the past five years, or were cancer free, and who were prescribed opioids for cancer-related pain. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: This qualitative study used semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using applied thematic analysis techniques. FINDINGS: Themes included the following: (a) restrictive policies affecting opioid access and supply, (b) decreased opioid use because of concerns of addiction and other opioid-related side effects, and (c) lack of clarity on safeguarding and disposal of opioids. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Cancer survivors may encounter barriers to opioid access, alter medicationtaking behavior over fear of addiction and side effects, and face inadequate education regarding proper disposal of opioids. Nurses can advocate for appropriate access to prescribed opioids, assess opioid-taking behavior, provide education regarding storage and disposal, and implement educational interventions accordingly [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceptions of oncology health care providers use of telehealth to provide care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic were explored. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and purposive sampling (N = 30) was conducted. Four themes emerged: 1) telehealth provided continuity of cancer care and used to decrease the risk of COVID-19 exposure; 2) advantages brought about convenience and inclusion of family caregivers; 3) telehealth revealed geographic, aging, and racial/ethnic disparities and digital illiteracy; and 4) rapid implementation was challenging. Telehealth provides a number of opportunities to support care for vulnerable cancer patients during this health crisis; however, disparities must be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prescribing oral oncolytic agents (OAs) for advanced cancers is increasing. To explore changes in medication beliefs and the effects of symptom severity, cognitive effectiveness and depressive symptoms on medication beliefs over 12 weeks. Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, testing an intervention to promote symptom management and adherence [N = 230]. Questionnaires evaluated medication beliefs, symptom severity, depressive symptoms, and cognitive effectiveness. Linear mixed effects models were used for analyses. OA Necessity beliefs increased over time (mean difference 0.0112, SE = 0.055, p 0.04). Concern beliefs did not change and were lower for advanced cancers (–0.193, SE = 0.067, p < 0.01).Depressive symptoms were related to decreased Necessity beliefs (–0.012, SE = 0.005, p = 0.02), but not Concern beliefs. Medication beliefs were not associated with symptom severity or cognitive effectiveness. Patients with advanced cancer hold different medication beliefs compared to earlier staged cancers, lending insight into potential outcomes beyond adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To describe patient satisfaction with an interactive voice response (IVR) system to assess adherence and symptom management in patients newly prescribed an oral anticancer agent (OAA). SAMPLE & SETTING: Patients prescribed a new OAA were recruited from six comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. METHODS & VARIABLES: Cross-sectional analysis and descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient demographics and satisfaction with the IVR system and symptom management toolkit. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 61.82 years, and gastrointestinal cancer was most prevalent. Participants were either "very" or "highly" satisfied with the IVR weekly calling system to assess symptoms, the IVR system daily OAA adherence reminders, and the symptom management toolkit. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses often triage patient-reported issues with OAAs. Nurses are well positioned to lead IVR system symptom management interventions and to be actively involved in the development, implementation, and dissemination of IVR technologies through research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To describe how family caregivers of patients receiving oral anticancer medication (OAM) may affect family caregivers' lives and determine what support caregivers need to manage OAM in the home successfully. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: Family caregivers of individuals with cancer prescribed OAM recruited from oncology clinics in the Midwest region of the United States. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Focus group methodology was used to elicit caregivers' perspectives. Sessions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analysis used a constant comparative approach. FINDINGS: Themes specific to OAM treatment were convenience, safe handling, financial worries, and medical impact of OAM treatment course. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Providing support and educating caregivers on preparation, administration and safe handling, precautions for the handling of patient bodily fluids, potential for treatment interruptions, and financial assistance and resources for OAM may bolster effective caregiving in home environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: Medication beliefs are linked to medication adherence in cancer treatment. Oral cancer treatments are increasing, making patients responsible for self-managing medication at home. LITERATURE SEARCH: A literature search was performed using CINAHL®, PubMed, and PsycINFO. Included studies were published in English from 2000--2017 and examined medication beliefs among participants aged 18 years or older who were prescribed cancer medication. DATA EVALUATION: Articles were organized by study design, how medication beliefs were measured, and whether psychometric testing was evaluated. Articles were scored to indicate rigor of medication belief measurements. Themes of factors associated with medication beliefs were compiled. SYNTHESIS: The review represented several cancer and cancer medication types. Various methods were used to elicit medication beliefs. Medication beliefs influence decisions to initiate or continue cancer medications, and those beliefs are multifaceted. Nurses have a critical role in evaluating and supporting facilitative medication beliefs. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Nurses can address medication beliefs and clarify treatment misconceptions. Understanding factors influencing medication beliefs can inform future interventions to improve adherence and symptom management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: This evidence-based guideline intends to support patients, clinicians, and others regarding interventions and processes to support patient adherence to oral anticancer medications (OAMs). METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: A panel of healthcare professionals and patient representatives developed a clinical practice guideline to support patients taking OAMs. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) methodology and criteria for trustworthy guidelines were followed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. A quantitative or narrative synthesis of the evidence was completed. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. FINDINGS: The panel agreed on recommendations and suggested an adherence risk assessment, education addressing adherence, ongoing assessment, proactive follow-up, coaching, and motivational interviewing in addition to usual care. The panel suggested the implementation of a structured OAM program. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: As cancer treatment shifts from clinic to home settings, interventions and programs to support patients on OAMs are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]