Role of the oncology nurse in home care: family-centered practice.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the role of the oncology nurse in home care with emphasis on family-centered practice.


METHODS
Review articles, book chapters, and case records.


CONCLUSIONS
The expansion of care from the hospital to the home has resulted in increasing complexity of cancer care at home. The goal of home health care is to initiate, manage, and evaluate the resources necessary to promote the patient's optimal level of wellness. The family as the unit of care is essential in achieving this goal.


CONCLUSIONS
The acuity level and complex needs of cancer patients at home requires home care nurses to have a broad knowledge base and to be efficient in high-technology skills. Competency in family assessment, teaching, counseling, supervising and coordinating community and family resources are essential to provide effective home care.
McEnroe
L E
LE
Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
D005190:Family; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009859:Oncology Nursing