A pioneering cancer treatment led by a nurse | Continued by the University of Melbourne

I studied at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff in the United Kingdom. After attending training, I worked as a nurse at the Velindre Cancer Center in Cardiff, where I cared for people diagnosed with head and neck cancer and lung cancer. These diagnoses reflect the mining industry in the region.

My pbadion for defending and improving the nursing care of these patients has never left me. They have made me aware of the importance of monitoring patients who, because of problems such as poverty, low level of health literacy and malnutrition, are at risk of becoming ill. to have poorer results.

I knew that I would never leave oncology. I knew it less than 12 months after I started working at the Velindre Cancer Center. After that, I went to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where I worked as a senior nurse in a new unit dedicated to clinical trials. This is where I developed my fascination for clinical trials and the realization of the critical importance of creating opportunities for patients to participate in all kinds of clinical research.

With my husband and three young children, I arrived in Melbourne in 2003. I had the chance to work alongside Professor Sanchia Aranda at the Department of Nursing Research and Support (RSD) of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center (Peter Mac). After three years, we returned to the UK, but 18 months later we were back. I joined PeterMac and became the Deputy Director of the DNSCR, working to develop skills and research opportunities in clinical nursing.

Then, in 2016, I joined the Department of Nursing at the University of Melbourne as the first Chair in Nursing Oncology.. The role was all new, to develop, to do what I wanted with. When I started, there was only me. I now have a team of 16 people working on 11 research projects. Later that year, I was appointed research and nursing education lead for the seven clinical partners of the VCCC (Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Center).

For many, our work may seem simple, but its impact and reach are enormous. What is remarkable for us is to hear people say, "I know my time is limited, but I need help to live as well as possible for as long as possible." Regularly ask people if they need help, what help they need and who has a big impact on the results of their cancer.

We are working to update Victorias' approach to integrating cancer care into a state-wide study funded by the Department of Health and Social Services. We strive to understand how we are integrating support for daily care for all those affected by cancer.

Patients with rare or less common cancers may not benefit from the benefits enjoyed by people with more common cancers. To meet these challenges, our projects target the functional, physical, social and emotional challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis..

For example, in one of our design studies, we worked with people with pancreatic cancer, which still has very poor results. By consulting with patients, caregivers and clinicians, we have developed a web-based application that includes advice and support that people need, when they need it. Patients and caregivers tell us that's exactly what they wanted.

We are currently working on a project focused on multiple myeloma. It is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is incurable and, as it develops, people often have complex symptoms. The project, which was recently funded by grants from the Council of Nurses of Victoria (Legacy Limited), aims to map trends in care for metropolitan and regional patients with multiple myeloma once they have completed the initial treatment..

Working with myeloma specialists and nurses from PeterMac and Myeloma Australia, we want to find out how to operate a national network of myeloma nurses. This means that no matter where the multiple myeloma patients are, they will have access to nursing expert consultations.

From the moment of diagnosis, people must have the care, support, information and knowledge they need to live better and for as long as possible. The value of our work is measured by its impact on the lives of "here and now" – as well as its contribution to those who are not yet affected by a cancer diagnosis.

We are still at the very beginning of the nurses cancer research program. It is exciting that we have the opportunity to create what will be an international research program led by cancer nurses. The investment of the University and the CCCV in my role gives us a good start to improve the quality and safety of care provided by nurses to all Australians affected by cancer.

– As told to Cheryl Critchley

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