Gentle cancer care for older patients

Introduction: Healthcare is being challenged with an increased number of older patients with cancer. Novel technology-based methods for treatment of cancer, such as calcium electroporation, is more gentle than traditional treatments, and increases life quality for old patients. However, despite being up to standard with the newest treatment there is a general lack of healthcare professionals to ensure the treatment being effectuated for the old patients with cancer. Worldwide, it is noted that nurses cover more tasks, for example in oncology due to organizational changes and patients encounter les healthcare professionals during their treatment and experience les stress.

Aim: To treat, support, and increase life quality for old patients with cancer through a research-based programme for development of nurses` competencies in cancer care.

Material and methods: Development of a six-week course based on a curriculum for nurses treating patient with cancer using calcium electroporation. Desk research with systematic reviews and qualitative research were used. The course is qualified through exploration of nurses' experience with new roles of self-handling and decision-making in relation to cancer treatment tasks, which have previously been performed by doctors. The curriculum will be tested, evaluated and a final prototype of the curriculum presented.

Results: The course is currently being tested with participation of nurses and the final result will be presented at the conference

Conclusion: Development of nurses` competencies and reorganization as a method of changing cancer care will improves life quality as patients will be met with healthcare professionals with expert knowledge on their treatment.