Volume 22, Issue 1, 2000

The Mary Glover Lecture, June 14, 2000: Back to the future: reform, research, and nursing authority

Margaret B. Harrison, RN, PhD

Abstract

I would like to thank the Canadian Association of Neuroscience Nurses for the honour of being selected as this year’s Mary Glover speaker. What a wonderful tradition has emerged with the opening to your conference and annual meetings each year. It has been nearly 20 years now since the lectures were initiated by Mary’s parents in her memory. It is very special indeed and a splendid tribute to one of your own.

AXON, 22(1), 16–23.

Brain Tumour Foundation Award Paper: Impact of a family-centred approach on a couple living with a brain tumour: a case study

Irène Leboeuf, M.Sc.inf.

Abstract

The diagnosis of a malignant brain tumour can be devastating for both patients and their families. Despite neurological and cancer treatment advances, there has been little progress in extending life expectancy for these patients. Cassileth et all. (1985) suggest that of all types of cancer, brain tumours cause the most psychosocial repercussions for the family.

The brain tumour clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is in a strategic position to intervene with families along the continuum of care by using a family-oriented approach which can facilitate their adaptation to this health problem.

The present case study will describe the illness experience of one couple where a member had a brain tumour. The process of assessment, interventions and outcomes will be highlighted. The CNS utilized the Calgary Family Assessment Model (CFAM) (Wright & Leahey, 1994) to guide her work with this family.

An example of an intervention was the illness narrative approach. In this approach the concepts of illness experience, perceptions, beliefs and support were used as part of the therapeutic modality which served to enhance the coping strategies of the couple and decreased their crisis situation. This collaborative style of nursing promoted the well-being throughout the illness trajectory of both the family and the CNS.

AXON, 22(1), 24–31.

Codman Award Paper: Education and information needs identified by patients and key family members prior to surgery for a skull base neoplasm: implications for practice

Margaret Borozny Durity, RN, MSN, Anne Wyness, RN, MN, CNN(C), Felix Durity, MD, FRCS(C), and Marjorie Ratel, RN, BSN

Abstract

Many patients with extensive skull base neoplasms poorly understand the nature of their problems. Therefore, education of patients and family members is an important component of care. Research has established the benefits of pre-operative education for other types of surgery and information seeking as an important method of coping. Yet in 184 references on skull base surgery (1996–1999), no case-based or research data that examined education and information needs prior to hospitalization for surgery was found.

The investigators present findings from Phase 1 of a descriptive research study designed to determine the education and information needs perceived by patients and family members at their initial visit to the neurosurgeon and on admission to hospital. Data was collected, using interviews and a questionnaire, from 18 patients with skull base neoplasms and 15 key family members. The study findings provide insight into the experience of patients and families during a time period (prehospitalization) that has not been explored. Results indicate that key education needs of participants are related to the brain tumour and surgery. Findings reveal patient participants in contrast to family members had little in the way of information needs is the theme of “Hearing the News”. Relevance of the results to nursing practice in the pre-operative phase is addressed.

AXON, 22(1), 32–45.

Questions:

Please visit the contacts section for a list of the current Executive, Committees, and Regional Councillors.

If you have a question/comment on the web page or a general CANN inquiry please email CANN Communications + Marketing.