Unit 6 - Relationships During Cancer Survivorship.

This training is presented in collaboration with the Canadian Association of Nurse in Oncology (CANO) and is part of CANO’s manual Adult cancer survivorship: A self-Learning resource for nurses -2020.

Social support is critically important in coping with stressful life events and acts as a buffer or protection against difficulty. Often, we turn to family or friends in times of difficulty for assistance and care. Cancer and its treatment touches all relationships and has the potential to create change and disruption. As an individual transitions into the survivorship stage, changes may continue to be troubling. Oncology nurses are in an ideal position to assess the level of social support survivors have and assist individuals and their significant others in accessing necessary assistance.

Speaker: Margaret I Fitch RN PhD. Professor (Adjunct), L. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Editor in Chief CONJ, Toronto

Learning objectives:
Practice Standard 1 - Comprehensive Health Assessment:
1. Understand the context of a person’s life and social network in order to have insight about the nature of the challenges and what might be appropriate interventions.
2. Conduct a systematic, comprehensive psychosocial, spiritual, and cultural assessment that includes: The individual’s and family’s response to cancer; Their main concerns; Feelings, fears, and goals; Understanding of prognosis; Expectations for healing and recovery; Financial, social, and practical concerns.
3. Explore and document the impact and meaning of illness on the individual, the family and their support system

Practice Standard 2 - Supportive and Therapeutic Relationships:
1. Understand the cancer experiences and the various needs, feelings, fears, concerns, and losses the individual and family members may have encountered as part of the cancer journey
2. Understand what relationships are significant to the survivor and family members and how those relationships may have changed
3. Apply knowledge of family dynamics and disease adaptation to support the individual’s and family’s adjustment to managing and living with the uncertainties of the cancer experience as well as establishing and/or maintaining meaningful relationships. Individuals at risk for psychosocial distress need to be identified and referred as required in a timely manner

Practice Standard 4 - Teaching and Coaching:
1. Assess the individual’s understanding of common psychological reactions and responses to the cancer experience and provide information about effective coping strategies as needed.
2. Assess the individual’s understanding about social support and the role of relationships.
3. Explore with the individual his or her goals for the relationships in their social network and assist them to identify what courses of action may be necessary and where required resources might be accessed.
4. Assist the individual to identify and build on his or her strengths and existing skills

Practice Standard 5 - Facilitating Continuity of Care/Navigating the System:
1. Support the individual and family members through the transitions of survivorship by applying knowledge of their changing needs as they move across the cancer care continuum.
2. Where necessary initiate, advocate and mobilize community-based resources to assist them.
3. Apply knowledge of the impact of cancer and treatment on roles, responsibilities and relationships; facilitate redefinition and adaptation in these areas as necessary.
4. Ensure the individual and family members know about available resources and how to access them.