PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Alan Rodger

Publications and source records attributed to Alan Rodger.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

An evidence-based specialist breast nurse role in practice: a multicentre implementation study.

The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility, implementation, acceptability and impact of an evidence-based specialist breast care nurse (SBN) model of care in Australia. Primary data were collected from four diverse Australian breast cancer treatment centres over a 12-month period. The design was a multicentre demonstration project. Information about the provision of care and patient needs was collected through prospective logs. Structured interviews were conducted with women who received the SBN intervention (N = 167) and with a control group of women treated prior to the intervention period (N = 133). Health professionals (N = 47) were interviewed about their experience of the SBN. Almost all women had contact with an SBN at five scheduled consultations and 67% of women in the intervention group requested at least one additional consultation with the SBN. Women in the intervention group were more likely to receive hospital fact sheets and to be told about and participate in clinical trials. Ninety-eight per cent of women reported that the availability of an SBN would affect their choice of hospital, with 48% indicating that they would recommend only a hospital with a SBN available. Health professionals reported that SBNs improved continuity of care, information and support for the women, and resulted in more appropriate referrals and use of the time of other members of the team. In conclusion, the SBN model is feasible and acceptable within diverse Australian treatment centres; there is evidence that some aspects of care were improved by the SBN.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Bridging the information and support gap: evaluation of a hospital-based cancer support nurse service.

Health professionals play an important role in meeting the information and support needs of individuals following a diagnosis of cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and impact of a hospital-based cancer support nurse (CSN) service. A total of 98 patients completed a structured telephone interview after discharge concerning their use, perceptions and satisfaction with the service. The majority of patients perceived service delivery to be appropriate and reported that they had gained both information and support. The service also had a positive impact on behavioural, cognitive and affective outcomes. Overall satisfaction with the service was very high. Results indicate that a hospital-based cancer support nurse service provides a promising model for meeting the early information and support needs of patients, thereby promoting continuity of care.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2002

Modern radiotherapy for modern surgeons: an update on radiation oncology.

Changes in the practice of radiation oncology have been significant over the last decade and continue to develop at an exciting rate. These advances range from our understanding of the increasingly important role of radiotherapy in the adjuvant and definitive settings to huge technological progress in the areas of tumour delineation, treatment planning, delivery and verification. In many cases, benefits have resulted from the ability of modern radiotherapy to deliver high doses with great accuracy and increasing safety in a highly individualized manner. This has impacted favourably on the management of all major malignancies as discussed in this paper. A good understanding of what can be achieved with modern radiotherapy has never been more important in ensuring an effective multidisciplinary approach to cancer management.

General Surgery↗
PubMed2002

Part-time consultants in radiation oncology.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitudes and experiences of staff towards radiation oncologists who work part-time. A questionnaire was sent to all radiation oncologists, radiation oncology registrars and radiation therapists, and a nursing and clerical representative working in all radiation oncology departments throughout Australia and New Zealand. Of 1242 questionnaires, 446 (35.9%) were returned. Of these, 323 out of 435 respondents (74.2%) supported the concept of a radiation oncologist working part-time. The main barriers to part-time work were inadequate provision of cover, the inability to be contacted when not rostered on, and perceived reduced quality of patient care. The majority of respondents supported part-time employment in radiation oncology. However, the conclusions made from this survey are limited by the poor response rate. For a successful part-time career in radiation oncology, the following points need to be ensured: (i) an equitable pro-rata workload that encompasses both clinical and non-clinical duties; (ii) a clear and well-publicized timetable that is strictly adhered to with special emphasis on completing work prior to non-rostered days; (iii) clear mechanisms in place to deal with patient or other queries on non-rostered days; (iv) a mechanism for being contacted for urgent problems; and (v) good communication between the part-time radiation oncologist, other staff and patients.

Adult↗