 | Participants, lecturers, organisers and sponsors at the Australian High Commissioner’s Residence |
The First Specialist Breast Cancer Nurse Education Course in Malaysia – 24 to 28 Apr 2006
By Dr Evelyn Ho and Mrs Deidre Sidhu Amanita, The National Cancer Society of Malaysia, The College of Radiology Malaysia, and Edith Cowan University organised a 5-day Specialist Breast Cancer Nurse Education Course from 24th April - 28th April 2006. 25 nurses from all over Malaysia, from both the government and private hospitals attended this fully sponsored course.
This course is an accredited unit of a Masters Degree from Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia and has been specifically tailored to meet the needs of our women in Malaysia. It was sponsored by BP and DiGi. The course venue was sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Medical Seminar Room in Petaling Jaya. A DiGi van assisted in the transportation of the nurses from their hotel to the course venue and back to their hotel.
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Professor Kate White, PhD, Professor of Nursing and Director of Research from the Faculty of Nursing, University of Sydney was the primary lecturer. Jane Gregson, a specialist breast nurse from the King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women and Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Western Australia gave invaluable practical insights. Adding value were local experts – Prof Dr Looi Lai Meng, Consultant Pathologist from the University Malaya Medical Centre, Dr Matin Mellor, Clinical Oncologist, Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Dr Evelyn Ho, Clinical Radiologist, Megah Medical Specialists Group and from Perth, Australia was Dr Tony Connell, Consultant Plastic Surgeon. The nurses were selected from applications received and vetted for suitability as the number of participants was limited to only 25 to maintain the quality of the interaction. The full 5 day programme included topics from Radiology in breast cancer, pathology of the various breast cancers, nutrition, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, breast reconstruction, psychosocial support, impact on family and partners, communication skills, sexuality and the body image. There was evaluation and assessments at the end of the course. During the course, the participants were expected to be involved in the discussions and there were sessions where role playing was needed. On 27 April 2006, the Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Mr James Wise and Mrs Teresa Wise held a dinner for all the participants, organisers, sponsors and lecturers/speakers.
By the last day of the course, the enthusiastic nurses had bonded with each other and were sad to part ways. However, the organisers intend to keep them networked for motivational support and to discuss the practical implementation of the new skills and expertise acquired.
The nurses were presented certificates at the Closing Ceremony of the Course, held at Petaling Jaya Hilton. The Role of the Specialist Breast Nurse
Specialist cancer nursing roles have developed rapidly over the past two decades in response to increasing sub-specialisation within cancer care, and recognition of the role of nurses in improving supportive care for cancer patients and their families. This is particularly evident for women diagnosed with breast cancer, where high levels of psychological distress have been identified as associated with both diagnosis and treatment compounded by low levels of detection and referral for psychological care.
Evidence to Support the Breast Nurse Role
There is now strong evidence that the breast nurse role can lead to improved psychological outcomes and continuity of care for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Research has shown that that women cared for by a breast nurse had significantly improved psychological adjustment one year post surgery, and this adjustment occurs earlier in the recovery period, than those who are not cared for by breast nurses.
It is widely recognised that specialist breast nurses can significantly improve health outcomes for those diagnosed with breast cancer by persuading them to seek conventional treatment and assisting them in the difficulties they confront with surgery, treatment and the psychosocial implications. |
