Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena
| Thesis Title | Onco-Aesthetic in the nursing profession: a new care proposal |
|---|---|
| Name | Chiuri Giulia |
| Supervisor(s) | Pellacani Paola |
| Academic Year | 2017/18 |
| Thesis type | Non research thesis |
Abstract
This dissertation addresses the issues related to maintaining the balance between oncologic and aesthetic care in women affected by breast cancer.
This dissertation aims to highlight the importance of introducing oncologic and aesthetic care in order to treat the patient holistically. It is essential to support women recovering from breast cancer to face and overcome the side effects of treatment. In this way these women will be able to rediscover their physical attractiveness and to feel more empowered with regards to their cancer.
The material used in this dissertation was taken from reliable sources such as PubMed, UpToDate and Cinahl.
The first chapter deals with breast anatomy, breast cancer, etiological factors and the various cancer treatments and their respective side effects.
The second chapter focuses on the patient’s emotional experience regarding the various stages involved in their reaction to their disease. It further highlights the women’s self-perception following changes in their physical appearance and body image and the implications of these on them socially, sexually and at work. The second chapter also deals with articles taken from the Citizen’s Charter for Health Care Services and from the new Medical Code of Ethics relating to identifying needs by a qualified nurse. Clinical needs are met by the Breast Unit and the Nurse Care Manager.
The third chapter deals with the implementation of oncologic and aesthetic care within the hospital setting, with comparisons being made between Italy and other countries. The focus, however, is on Italy and the fact that the role of the nurse within various projects is clearly missing.
The dissertation concludes with a personal reflection which puts forward the need to involve nurses in caring for patients holistically in such a complex setting.