Advancing Oncology Nursing Science
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Preface
Advancing Oncology Nursing Science is dedicated to the memory of the many oncology nurse clinicians and scientists who have helped to shape oncology nursing research.
"The greatest accomplishments are those that benefit others."
— Denis Waitley, PhD, Author and Renowned Productivity Consultant
The need for this book was inspired by a number of factors, including
- The increasing need for nursing research to inform oncology nursing practice, influence patient outcomes, and advance oncology nursing as an evidence-based specialty
- The recognition of cancer as an ongoing public health concern
- The Oncology Nursing Society's (ONS's) commitment to excellence in oncology nursing and quality cancer care
- The explosion of knowledge generated by oncology nurse scientists over the past two decades.
Cancer will remain a major health concern well beyond the 21st century. Globally, epidemiologists predict that the number of new cancer cases will more than double from 12 million in 2007 to almost 27 million in 2050 (American Cancer Society, 2007). According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1.4 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2008. This excludes basal and squamous cell skin cancers and noninvasive cancers of any site except the urinary bladder. Projections indicate that in the United States alone, cancer accounts for one of every four deaths. Increasingly, advancements in cancer care have resulted in improvements in cancer survival. Notably, as of January 2004, the National Cancer Institute estimated that approximately 10.8 million cancer survivors were living in the United States (American Cancer Society, 2008). As we continue to experience advances in cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment, many more people will be living with cancer as a chronic illness. Research conducted by nurse scientists and other disciplines will continue to play a major role in informing cancer care and the cancer-related experiences of those confronted with the disease.
ONS has a long-standing commitment to transforming cancer care by promoting quality care and excellence in oncology nursing practice; however, transforming care in the 21st century will require new knowledge for a new age. The generation of new knowledge is needed if we are to fully realize ONS’s mission of promoting excellence in nursing practice and quality cancer care and its vision of leading the transformation of cancer care. The increased emphasis on evidence-based nursing practice requires up-to-date scientific knowledge that can help to guide oncology nursing practice. The current knowledge base in oncology nursing research provides an excellent foundation on which to build and continue to advance oncology nursing science.
The explosion of oncology nursing research within the past two decades now calls for a well-synthesized discussion on progress and issues related to advancing oncology nursing science. Numerous strides have been made in a number of research areas across the entire cancer continuum, employing diverse populations and disease states. Oncology nurse scientists have made substantive contributions in areas such as cancer symptom management, biobehavioral oncology, cancer communication and decision making, patient-sensitive indicators, and oncology research methodologies, to name a few. We have chosen current experts to create chapters that span the cancer continuum and address a number of trends and issues pertinent to advancing oncology nursing science. Advancing Oncology Nursing Science provides an up-to-date discussion on current oncology nursing research and highlights directions for further development of the field. The text is not meant to duplicate the efforts of traditional nursing research texts that focus on the nursing research process and related issues; it is intended as a complement to existing research books. Although aspects of the research process are briefly incorporated throughout the various chapters, the book specifically is designed to
- Highlight the evolution of oncology nursing research
- Identify the current state of the science in oncology nursing science from prevention to palliation
- Examine current and emerging issues of relevance to advancing oncology nursing science
- Discuss future directions for advancing oncology nursing science.
Content
Advancing Oncology Nursing Science is composed of 22 chapters that are divided into four sections, followed by an appendix with resources and an epilogue addressing future directions for the field.
Section I. Foundations and Priorities of Oncology Nursing Science highlights the evolution of oncology nursing science and identifies priorities to further advance the specialty of oncology nursing through research. The book opens with a tribute to distinguished oncology nurse scientists who have ably laid a foundation for oncology nursing science. This section highlights the contributions of a number of oncology nurse scientists whose work continues to shape and inform oncology nursing practice and research.
Section II. Advancing Oncology Nursing Science highlights current advances in oncology nursing research from prevention to palliation. The authors address the state of the science in oncology nursing research, highlighting progress in nursing knowledge regarding prevention, detection, symptom management, end-of-life care, and quality of life. The authors synthesized large bodies of oncology nursing research and highlight directions for future research.
Section III. Leading Causes of Cancer focuses on the progress of research for site-specific cancers. This section highlights research issues regarding breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers. The future of nursing research for each of these cancer types is also discussed.
Section IV. Current and Emerging Issues in Oncology Research provides a timely discussion on a variety of cross-cutting issues relevant to advancing oncology nursing science. Sage oncology nurse scientists address issues such as advancing family-focused oncology nursing research, translating research findings into practice, conducting research using nursing-sensitive patient outcomes, creating and sustaining multidisciplinary research teams, and advancing the field using technology.
Section V. Research Training and Education focuses on advancing oncology nursing science through research, career development, and scholarship. The authors share timely tools of the trade for launching and sustaining a research career in oncology nursing. Opportunities for funding to support oncology nursing research and nursing research training are noted.
Section VI. Selected Resources for Advancing Oncology Nursing Science features useful tips and tools for prospective nurse scientists. This section offers primers on scholarly writing and how to obtain professional and financial support for a career in nursing science, as well as tips as to launch a career in this area. Both veterans and those new to the field can benefit from the resources found in this section.
Epilogue: Looking Into the Future provides some final thoughts on advancing oncology nursing science.
The Appendix includes a variety of resources, Web sites, publications, and tools for use when conducting oncology nursing research.
Audience
Advancing Oncology Nursing Science is suitable for a number of audiences, including oncology graduate students and clinicians, faculty members, nurse scientists, and other healthcare professionals with an interest in oncology research. Novice oncology nurse scientists are specifically targeted, as they are encouraged to generate new knowledge that advances oncology nursing science, informs oncology nursing practice, and ultimately aids in transforming cancer care.
References
- American Cancer Society. (2007). Cancer facts and figures, 2007. Atlanta, GA: Author.
- American Cancer Society. (2008). Cancer facts and figures, 2008. Atlanta, GA: Author.