Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena
| Thesis Title | Nurse's role in oncogenetic counseling: the reality of AOU Policlinico in Modena as an example of Hub center for hereditary cancer |
|---|---|
| Name | Puccini Francesca |
| Supervisor(s) | Pellacani Paola |
| Academic Year | 2016/17 |
| Thesis type | Non research thesis |
Abstract
The constant progress made by genetics are revolutionizing the way of thinking and acting in the healthcare system. Oncology is one of the disciplines that has been able to integrate these findings into the professional practice, creating a new frontier dedicated to the hereditary component of cancer diseases: oncogenetics. It is complemented by a new concept of patient care, who will be able to benefit from diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive measures offered to subjects at risk.
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of nurse in oncogenetic counseling, meant as a process of communication between healthcare professionals and patients, focused on the onset of cancer and the risk of disease in the family.
First of all, it was important to emphasize the importance of proper training in genetics for all nurses, then it examines closely the oncogenetic context, the family-related problem and the oncogenetic counseling, illustrating the role of the nurse in this context, the skills and competency needed. To sum up, the thesis ends with a summary of the regional protocol for the care of women with hereditary risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer, as an example of proper assistence to a patient with family-related problem.
The literature review has highlighted the importance of the contribution of nursing to the oncogenetic context, in particular the key role that the nurse has in oncogenetic counseling as a reference point for the patient and coordination of the multidisciplinary team.