Prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) with non-pharmacological interventions : clinical recommendations from a systematic scoping review and an expert consensus process

Background: Most individuals affected by cancer who are treated with certain chemotherapies suffer of CIPN. Therefore, there is a high patient and provider interest in complementary non-pharmacological therapies, but its evidence base has not yet been clearly pointed out in the context of CIPN. Methods: The results of a scoping review overviewing the published clinical evidence on the application of complementary therapies for improving the complex CIPN symptomatology are synthesized with the recommendations of an expert consensus process aiming to draw attention to supportive strategies for CIPN. The scoping review, registered at PROSPERO 2020 (CRD 42020165851), followed the PRISMA-ScR and JBI guidelines. Relevant studies published in Pubmed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PEDro, Cochrane CENTRAL, and CINAHL between 2000 and 2021 were included. CASP was used to evaluate the methodologic quality of the studies. Results: Seventy-five studies with mixed study quality met the inclusion criteria. Manipulative therapies (including massage, reflexology, therapeutic touch), rhythmical embrocations, movement and mind-body therapies, acupuncture/acupressure, and TENS/Scrambler therapy were the most frequently analyzed in research and may be effective treatment options for CIPN. The expert panel approved 17 supportive interventions, most of them were phytotherapeutic interventions including external applications and cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, and tactile stimulation. More than two-thirds of the consented interventions were rated with moderate to high perceived clinical effectiveness in therapeutic use. Conclusions: The evidence of both the review and the expert panel supports a variety of complementary procedures regarding the supportive treatment of CIPN; however, the application on patients should be individually weighed in each case. Based on this meta-synthesis, interprofessional healthcare teams may open up a dialogue with patients interested in non-pharmacological treatment options to tailor complementary counselling and treatments to their needs

Komplementär- und Alternativmedizin (KAM) bei Krebs

Komplementär- und Alternativmedizin (KAM) wird von Krebsbetroffenen signifikant häufiger in Anspruch genommen als von der Allgemeinbevölkerung. Bis zu 82 % aller Betroffenen wenden Methoden der KAM an, meist zusätzlich zu schulmedizinischen Behandlungen. Pflegende werden von ihren Patientinnen und Patienten häufig auf diese Methoden angesprochen und wenden auch zunehmend komplementäre Pflegemaßnahmen an. Sie sollten daher über evidenzbasiertes Wissen zu KAM, einschließlich den mit einzelnen Verfahren verbunden Risiken verfügen und Informationen zu KAM vermitteln können

Komplementär- und Alternativmedizin (KAM) bei Krebs

Komplementär- und Alternativmedizin (KAM) wird von Krebsbetroffenen signifikant häufiger in Anspruch genommen als von der Allgemeinbevölkerung. Bis zu 82 % aller Betroffenen wenden Methoden der KAM an, meist zusätzlich zu schulmedizinischen Behandlungen. Pflegende werden von ihren Patientinnen und Patienten häufig auf diese Methoden angesprochen und wenden auch zunehmend komplementäre Pflegemaßnahmen an. Sie sollten daher über evidenzbasiertes Wissen zu KAM, einschließlich den mit einzelnen Verfahren verbunden Risiken verfügen und Informationen zu KAM vermitteln können

New blended-learning module for breast care nurses in Switzerland

Background The EUSOMA guidelines suggest a diploma of advanced studies (DAS) with the focus breast care on the basis of a bachelor’s degree for breast care nurses as well as two years practical experience. The nurses attend these studies alongside employment which are based on a modular system with eight presence days per module (DAS = 6 modules). Due to the actual COVID-19 situation and the nurses’ shortage in clinics, classroom teaching was no longer possible. Methods As a consequence and due to future learning trends, we generated the “breast care module” as a blended (face-to-face and virtual) module starting with a detailed content and target audience analysis. We illustrated the whole blended-learning course in a “scripting tool” with expert experiences included. Results The didactic methodology was adjusted by intensifying self-directed learning using Moodle, an online learning management system using Webinars, Wiki, peer-feedback, lessons-learned. The AVIVA methodology was utilised for the online course as well as for in-person classes. On the content aspect, new topics like pregnancy and breast cancer, genetic counselling, plastic surgery methods, follow-up care and survivorship were included. Conclusions This course is conducive to learning as it provides a deeper insight in specific topics and allows for independent learning at a time, that is most convenient for the participants. This is advantageous for nurses who work shifts. Despite distance learning, alternating classroom meetings are important for socialising and networking. Furthermore, a continuous theory-practice transfer on evidence-based decision-making and positive experience with an autonomous learning system is the basis for fruitful life-long learning. This course will support the participants in caring for women during the whole cancer care continuum process with high quality and patient satisfaction