Today, June 8, 2021, is World Brain Tumor Day. In Switzerland, an average of 620 people are diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor every year. In addition to highly specialized medical treatment, the role of the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) is particularly important in ensuring that patients and their families receive comprehensive care and support throughout the course of the disease.

Brain tumor diagnosis

The epileptic seizure in the office hit Daniela Müller (55) out of nowhere. Emergency room at the Inselspital, MRI scan... the following days are a blur. A tumor is found in her brain, and she has difficulty speaking. Daniela can hardly concentrate. At this point, she meets her Advanced Practice Nurse (APN). This newly introduced, specialized nursing expert will accompany her throughout her entire treatment. Daniela undergoes surgery in the high-precision operating theater at Inselspital within a very short time. Despite the complicated and lengthy operation, Daniela is back home after just a few days.

A few days later, she returns to Inselspital with her husband Remo to discuss the diagnosis. The grandparents take care of their two daughters (aged 12 and 15). The surgeon and the APN reveal the diagnosis: the tumor is malignant and will require chemotherapy and radiation after the operation. Daniela and her husband Remo feel overwhelmed by the whole situation. Unanswered questions, fears, and uncertainties only become clear after the diagnosis: What should they tell the children? Who will drive Daniela to her daily radiation treatments when she is back home? Will she have another epileptic seizure? Added to this is the all-consuming existential fear of not surviving the disease or being limited in her physical abilities and thinking... The emotional strain is almost overwhelming for the couple, and they don't know what to do. This is exactly where APN can help.

What are the duties of a nursing expert APN?

The role of the APN nursing expert was established at the Department of Neurosurgery at Inselspital as part of an innovative project. She provides targeted support in the fight against cancer and complements the work of the doctors. Her work is very varied: the APN nursing expert answers questions about diagnosis and therapy, monitors wound healing, and plans with the family for the patient's return to everyday life. She organizes follow-up treatment for tumors, monitors the progression of symptoms, and is also the point of contact for questions and problems after the hospital stay.

2021 Oncology Care Award for employees of the Insel Group

A study has now shown how the support provided by APN nursing experts optimizes collaboration across the entire treatment team and increases patient satisfaction and, above all, quality of life. This study was awarded first place by the Swiss Professional Association for Oncology Nursing in 2021. The prize will be presented at the 23rd Swiss Oncology Nursing Congress on September 15, 2021, in Bern.

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