Literature review: An exploration of the role of the Australian breast care nurse in the provision of information and supportive care

Abstract

Breast care nurses (BCNs) were introduced to the Australian health care system in the 1990s to facilitate better continuity of care and increase psychosocial support to women with breast cancer. Yet women with breast cancer, particularly those in rural and remote Australia have high levels of unmet supportive needs. The purpose of this literature review was to examine the role of the Australian breast care nurse in the provision of information and support to women with breast cancer. A literature review was conducted using a number of databases from January 2006 to November 2012. Pre-set criteria were used, and nine research papers were identified; one randomised control trial, five quantitative studies, two qualitative studies and one mixed method study. Of the nine studies identified, only one attempted to explore the national perspective, however participants from Tasmania were not used. Overall, the review revealed very few published Australian studies evaluating the role of the BCN since 2006. The results demonstrate a need for larger studies conducted on a national scale, using participants from diverse geographical areas to gain more insight into the level of access to BCN care experienced by Australian women from both urban and rural and remote areas. It is recommended that further research be undertaken in order to build up a body of quantitative data about the role of the Australian BCN in providing information and support to women.