Abstract

Aim:

To determine if a significant relationship exists between a) nurse-driven interventions to foster collaborative psychiatric and oncology care and b) higher rates of cancer treatment adherence and lower healthcare utilization rates in patients with serious mental illness (SMI) and cancer.

Background:

It is not uncommon for patients with SMI to suffer from treatment noncompliance and present in the acute care setting, such as the emergency department. Patients with cancer and SMI pose a unique challenge to nurses and providers due to the psychological effect of a cancer diagnosis as well as side effects experienced from psychotropic medications and oncology treatments alike. As a result, these patients are less likely to maintain cancer treatment regimens and present with advances stages of cancer in the acute care setting.

Methods:

An extensive electronic literature search in the CINAHL Plus and APA PsycINFO databases was completed and included the keywords: cancer, neoplasms, carcinoma, serious mental illness, chronic mental illness, mental disorders, mental disorders, chronic, psychiatric illness, psychiatric disability, cognitive behavioral therap*, intervention*, mindful*, and mental health. Inclusion criteria included: published in the years 2012-2022. The available literature was carefully examined for interventions performed with SMI and cancer for ultimate results to be finalized as a written report.

Significance:

The results of this research can optimize healthcare and prognosis for the population of mental health patients with cancer and also reduce costs to the healthcare system.

Conclusion:

The 10 studies reviewed indicated that collaborative psychiatric-oncology care with specific Registered Nurse (RN)-led interventions, such as medication management programs and behavioral counseling, was associated with increased rates of cancer treatment adherence and lower rates of healthcare utilization. Conclusions were based on data collected in cohort studies, randomized control trials, pre- and post-intervention assessments, and clinic data from quality improvement projects. More research is needed to explore the implementation of collaborative care practices.

Thesis Completion

2023

Semester

Summer

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Decker, Veronica

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

College

College of Nursing

Department

Nursing

Language

English

Access Status

Campus Access

Length of Campus-only Access

5 years

Release Date

8-15-2028

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