Getting patients active: Using national data to drive practice

Data from a National Cancer Institute–designated comprehensive cancer center taking part in the ONS Foundation–supported Breast Cancer Care Quality Measures Set pilot study revealed a lack of interventions recommended for patient-reported symptoms of fatigue. A team was formed to address the issue using the steps of the evidence-based practice process and to implement practice changes. This article describes the barriers and challenges faced, in addition to the integration of exercise resources into patients’ plans of care. The authors describe the curriculum for staff education regarding the practice change, implementation of an evidence-based fatigue assessment and interventions, and methods to integrate these resources into patient care

Creative arts therapy improves quality of life for pediatric brain tumor patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy

This mixed methods pilot study evaluated the effects of the creative arts therapy (CAT) on the quality of life (QOL) of children receiving chemotherapy. A 2-group, repeated measures randomized design compared CAT with a volunteer\u27s attention (n = 16). Statistical analysis of the randomized controlled phase of the study suggested an improvement in the following areas after the CAT: parent report of child\u27s hurt (P =. 03) and parent report of child\u27s nausea (P =. 0061). A nonrandomized phase, using a different instrument showed improved mood with statistical significance on the Faces Scale (P \u3c. 01), and patients were more excited (P \u3c. 05), happier (P \u3c. 02), and less nervous (P \u3c. 02). Provider focus groups revealed positive experiences. Case studies are included to exemplify the therapeutic process. With heightened interest in complementary therapy for children with cancer, future research with a larger sample size is needed to document the impact of incorporating creative arts into the healing process. © 2010 by Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses