title: Telephone contact intervention in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
abstract: The chemotherapy received by breast cancer patients is complicated by many side effects. At our centre, a health care professional is accessible at all times, yet we hypothesize that most breast cancer patients suffer in silence rather than phone for assistance. This study sought to assess the value of and perceived need for a telephone call to breast cancer patients following the initiation of chemotherapy. The women's side effects were also documented, and the level to which they were educated about symptoms to expect and available assistance was evaluated. Overall, the weekend calls were well received because they provided information and support to the patients. It was determined that further research is required to determine if and how such a call should be best implemented at our cancer centre.
authors.affiliation: Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London.
authors.forename: Mila
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Smithies
authors.forename: Margo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bettger-Hahn
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Forchuk
authors.forename: Muriel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brackstone
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009864:Ontario; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D013689:Telephone / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014930:Women / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents