Communication Challenges

100% Support: Confusing the Social Meaning (Good) With the Medical Meaning (Bad)

By

Ann J. Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

This patient case demonstrates the challenge of remotely communicating when a patient’s family confuses the medical meaning with the social meaning of the words used to explain the patient’s condition.

Evaluating the ‘Surprise Question’ in Patients With Metastatic Cancer

By

Susan Moench, PhD, PA-C

For this study, patients with a variety of stage IV solid tumors were asked if they would be surprised if they died within the next year.

Patients With Cancer and Physicians Reported Satisfaction With Telemedicine Care

By

Jessica Nye, PhD

Despite some concerns, a survey of physicians and patients with cancer at a Houston cancer center showed satisfaction among both groups.

Upended Universe: Ambiguous Loss and Grief of a Cancer Diagnosis

By

Ann J. Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

The uncertainty experienced due to COVID can be used to better understand the loss a patient with cancer faces after diagnosis.

Telephone-Based Chaplaincy Interventions Are Feasible For Outpatients With Cancer

By

Susan Moench, PhD, PA-C

“Telechaplaincy” involves the use of telecommunications, including telephone calls, videos, and videoconferencing, to provide religious/spiritual care.

Something to Talk About: Practicing Self-Talk That Builds Resiliency

By

Ann J. Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

To build resiliency while facing the challenges of COVID-19, nurses should keep this variation of an old adage close to heart: “Treat yourself as you treat others.”

COVID-19: Finding Balance Amidst the Disruption

By

Ann J. Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we communicate with co-workers, patients, and ourselves, as well as how we adapt to changes.

You Can if You Think You Can — Finding Inspirational Words for Cancer Patients and Their Families

By

Ann J. Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

Inspirational words can help patients with cancer and their loved ones rally, but sometimes what is needed is reflective questioning to help them acknowledge how exhausting the fight is for the patient.

Decision Paralysis: When All the Patients’ Options Are “Bad Possibilities”

By

Ann J. Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

Ann Brady suggests a way to help patients who are asked to make a decision between two difficult options.

“The Blessed Event Occurred This Morning”: Counseling Patients on Good Bowel Management

By

Ann J. Brady, MSN, RN-BC, CHPN

A jovial message from a patient confirmed the value of counseling patients taking opioids for cancer pain on good BM practices.