Congress Abstracts 2003

62

A RECOGNIZED NEED: BLADDER CANCER SUPPORT GROUP AND THE ROLE OF THE AMBULATORY NURSE. Dominique DePalma, RN, MA, OCN^®, and Marisa Schneider-Regan, RN, BSN, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.

The American Cancer Society (2002) predicts there will be 56,500 new cases of bladder cancer diagnosed this year. A review determined that there were few, if any, support groups available for this population of patients.

Two ambulatory urology nurses at this NCI-designated cancer center coordinated a multidisciplinary team comprised of ambulatory nurses, outpatient social workers from the post treatment resource center, physicians, and a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) to form a support group.

We identified the target population, which consists of patients with superficial and muscle invasive bladder cancer. All patients were required to have had some sort of treatment for their bladder cancer—surveillance, TURBT, or cystectomy. To raise awareness for this new support group, each of the following was done: 1) flyers were posted in clinical areas, 2) brochures were mailed to patients, 3) individual patients were informed during treatment.

The bladder cancer support group was divided into two components: Educational lectures alternating with open discussion groups, quarterly. Educational lectures are conducted by physicians on the urology service based on their specific expertise in bladder cancer. The ambulatory nurse, CNS, and the social worker facilitate open discussion groups. Patients are divided into superficial bladder cancer and urinary diversions subgroups to network and provided emotional support for one another.

Evaluation forms are distributed at these meetings to identify strengths and areas for improvement for the group.

The ambulatory nurse’s role in the bladder cancer support group is diverse. As coordinator, the nurse accrues new patients and prepares the topics and agenda for each meeting. As facilitator, the nurse leads the group to encourage open discussion. As educator, the nurse is the clinical expert and resource on all aspects of bladder cancer.

This presentation will inform oncology nurses of the growing need for bladder cancer support groups to assist patients in coping with the functional changes and adjustment post treatment. The bladder cancer support group is well received with approximately 40 participants attending each program. Nurses can play a significant role in initiating and participating in bladder cancer support groups.