Objectives: We provide a review of external beam radiotherapy for pain associated with bone metastases, to summarize evidence associated with different radiotherapy fraction prescriptions, and outline the oncology nursing roles in a rapid-access palliative radiotherapy clinic. Additionally, we describe the clinical capacity contributed by a nurse practitioner working at full clinical scope.
Data sources: Data derived from literary databases (PubMed, CINAHL); an ethics-approved, prospective data set; and clinical expertise.
Conclusion: Nursing provides essential contributions in the treatment and holistic symptom management in patients undergoing radiation therapy for painful bone metastases.
Implications for nursing practice: The roles of nursing in radiation oncology have been poorly elucidated within the existing literature. This evaluation provided valuable insights into the contribution of oncology nursing roles in providing timely access for individuals with painful metastasis.
Keywords: Bone metastases; Nurse practitioner; Pain; Palliative radiotherapy; Registered nurse; Symptom assessment.
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