Nursing

In "Bisphosphonate therapy for metastatic bone disease: the pivotal role of nurses in patient education," authors Fitch & Maxwell (2008) focus on the importance of nurse awareness of oncology treatments. Nurse awareness of existing and cutting-edge oncology treatments fosters deeper patient trust and understanding. The more comfortable nurses are with their knowledge of bisphosphonates, the better their patients can understand the drugs as a part of their treatment. Fitch & Maxwell (2008) outline the different types of bisphosphonates, various methods of administration, and also detail their role in treating metastatic bone diseases and cancer with the ultimate objective of creating a more well-informed nursing and patient community.

The Fitch & Maxwell (2008) article is not an experiment related to bisphosphonates or bone disease. Rather, the article is a meta-analysis, a summary of existing and prior research on how bisphosphonates can help patients with metastatic bone diseases. The authors explain the use of bisphosphonates and their role in aiding recovery. Most importantly, Fitch & Maxwell (2008) urge nursing professionals to learn about and understand bisphosphonates. One of the primary role of the nurse, notes the authors, is to help educate the patient about the parameters of his or her disease. Part of the education process is teaching patients about the drugs recommended to them by their doctors or the pharmaceuticals they are already taking to alleviate symptoms. Nurses can use their knowledge to make patients feel more comfortable about their treatments, more well-informed, and therefore more in control of their course of treatment. Patients who are cognizant of the possible side-effects and benefits of the drugs they take to manage their disease are more likely to comply with guidelines for treatment because they understand the motives behind them. The authors also claim that patient education is an integral part of healing. The article's impact on the nursing profession is broad and extends beyond the limited subject matter they address in "Bisphosphonate therapy for metastatic bone disease: the pivotal role of nurses in patient education."