The Role of Survivorship Care for Patients with Glioma

Abstract

Objectives: To discuss the role of survivorship care and survivorship care plans, including a recently developed neuro-oncology-specific plan care (https://www.soc-neuro-onc.org/SNO/Resources/Survivorship_Care_Plan.aspx) for adult patients diagnosed with primary glial neoplasms and the necessary educational needs of oncology nurses.

Data sources: Published peer-reviewed literature and resources from cancer and neuro-oncology professional organizations and patient advocacy organizations.

Conclusion: The current Commission on Cancer mandates adult cancer patients treated with curative intent each receive an individualized survivorship care plan. Patients with glioma are likely to benefit from receiving survivorship care, including survivorship care plans aimed at addressing the complex and evolving needs of this unique patient population throughout their illness trajectory.

Implications for nursing practice: Nurse professionals are critical to the development and implementation of cancer survivorship care. This growing leadership role presents oncology nurses with specific and new educational needs regarding survivorship care.

Keywords: Cancer survivorship; Neuro-oncology nursing; Nursing education; Survivorship care planning.