title: Oncology nurses' attitudes toward prognosis-related communication: a pilot mailed survey of oncology nursing society members.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess oncology nurses' attitudes toward prognosis-related communication and experiences of the quality of such communication among physicians.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nationwide survey in the United States.
  
  
  METHODS
  394 Oncology Nursing Society members who completed surveys.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pilot mailed survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  Demographic variables, measures of attitudes toward and experiences of prognosis-related communication.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nurses had mixed views of prognosis-related communication and identified common barriers to their own more effective participation in prognosis-related communication. Nurses with more experience and those who worked in inpatient settings were more likely to be present for physicians' prognosis-related communication with patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Respondents identified uncertainties regarding the scope of oncology nurses' role in prognosis-related communication. Respondents also identified opportunities for improved interdisciplinary communication, most importantly the inclusion of oncology nurses in prognosis-related communication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Opportunities for oncology nurses to bridge some gaps in prognosis-related communication likely exist, although barriers surrounding nurses' role, education, and communication within the context of the larger healthcare team need to be clarified if potential solutions are to be developed.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, USA. phelft@iupui.edu
authors.forename: Paul R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Helft
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chamness
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Terry
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Uhrich
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000473:pathology; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D011379:Prognosis; D012956:Societies, Nursing; D014481:United States