Exploring the work of breast care nurses in providing nutritional advice to women who are having chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Abstract

This dissertation provides a critical review of literate surrounding the role of breast care nurses in providing nutritional advice to women with breast cancer. From the literature, four themes emerged which informed the aims for the research. The aims of the research are to explore; Breast care nurses (BCNs) perceptions of nutritional problems experienced by women who are undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer; BCNs knowledge of the evidence for nutritional interventions; BCNs perceptions of the nutritional information needs of women having chemotherapy for breast cancer and the role, challenges and support needs of BCN in providing nutritional advice. This study proposes to use narrative inquiry to interview breast care nurses about their experiences of providing nutritional advice. Following this, the breast care nurses will partake in a focus group to allow the ideas generated from the interviews to be clarified, enhanced and discussed. This research will develop practice by providing insight into the experiences and challenges which breast care nurses have in providing nutritional advice.