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Papers by Robert McConkey

Seminars in Oncology Nursing, Feb 1, 2021

OBJECTIVE This literature review provides an overview of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer diagn... more OBJECTIVE This literature review provides an overview of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer diagnosis (NMIBC), treatment, and surveillance. Existing evidence is reviewed to identify the NMIBC patient pathway, highlight its effect on quality of life, and identify supportive care needs of this patient group. A framework to guide nurses in the care of this underserved population is proposed. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases including CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched. CONCLUSION NMIBC is a chronic disease with high recurrence and progression rates with most patients requiring invasive treatment and burdensome surveillance schedules with frequent hospital visits. Treatment-related side effects may interrupt therapy and possibly result in its discontinuation. Patients' quality of life can be negatively affected at various stages of the cancer trajectory. Specialist nurses provide holistic care throughout all stages of the patient journey to optimize supportive care, information provision, and delivery of appropriate treatment and surveillance protocols. NMIBC research is historically underfunded with a paucity of evidence identifying the supportive care needs of this population. Further research is urgently required to fill the gaps identified. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE This timely paper raises the profile of unmet supportive care needs in an underserved research cancer population. Suggestions are proposed to improve the quality of nursing care through standardized practices and the development and integration of patient pathways. Evidence of the effect of NMIBC on family members or carers is absent from the literature. Future research implications and directions are proposed.

European Journal of Oncology Nursing, Apr 1, 2018

Nursing Standard, Nov 18, 2015

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent non-cutaneous cancer in men worldwide. As a result of incre... more Prostate cancer is the most prevalent non-cutaneous cancer in men worldwide. As a result of increased survival rates, men and their partners are living longer with the sexual sequelae of active treatments for prostate cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. The effect of erectile dysfunction on the patient and his partner is complex; many men experience psychosocial effects influenced by their hegemonic masculine beliefs. Some men experience difficulties in addressing their needs and require support while they attempt to reframe their beliefs about masculinity. The PLISSIT model can be used to guide healthcare practitioners in assessing and addressing the needs of this group of patients. The man's partner should be included in assessment and interventions where appropriate.

International Journal of Urological Nursing, Aug 28, 2015

Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in men worldwide. Cancer-related fat... more Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in men worldwide. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most frequently reported side effect of all cancer treatments and occurs in up to 74% of men treated for prostate cancer, particularly those receiving combined hormone and radiation therapies. Patients report the devastating impact of CRF on their quality of life and psychosocial functioning, affecting work, social, emotional and cognitive performance. It can manifest during treatment and persist long after its completion. A diagnosis of CRF is achieved once all other treatable factors such as anaemia or anxiety and depression have been managed, but does not alleviate the fatigue. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F) is a brief and easily administered valid and reliable tool recommended for the assessment of CRF. Non-pharmacological interventions such as activity-based programs and psychosocial interventions including prostate cancer specific education and cognitive behavioural therapy have shown benefits in reducing levels of CRF. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of CRF in prostate cancer patients is advocated. The NICE four-tier model of psychological support can be used as a framework to assist nurses and other health care professionals to alleviate the psychosocial burden of CRF. More research studies using a solid methodological foundation are required in men with prostate cancer to provide robust evidence which can be applied in practice. Key words: Fatigue • Men's health • Oncology nursing • Prostate cancer • Psychological and social scoping • Quality of life Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent male cancers worldwide with more than one million men diagnosed with the disease in 2012 (Cancer Research UK, 2014), and is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men in Ireland (National Cancer Registry Ireland, 2013). Active treatment options for prostate cancer include radical prostatectomy surgery, various forms of radiotherapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. Side effects of treatment include erectile dysfunction, urinary and/or bowel complications, weight gain, gynecomastia and fatigue (Albaugh and Hacker, 2008). Fatigue is experienced almost universally by cancer patients (Reilly et al., 2013; National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), 2015), and by up to 74% of men with prostate cancer (Langston et al., 2013b). Fatigue can be a debilitating side effect of prostate cancer treatments to varying degrees with an inconsistent duration, and is sometimes overlooked,

Journal of prescribing practice, Jan 2, 2020

Nurse referrers of medical ionising radiation (X-ray) are educated to refer appropriately. One pa... more Nurse referrers of medical ionising radiation (X-ray) are educated to refer appropriately. One particular cohort of patients who warrant special consideration regarding the risks associated with X-ray are individuals of childbearing age. In the context of advanced nurse practitioner practice in urology, these patients attend for removal of ureteric stents and may require an abdominal X-ray. In reaching a decision, ANPs undertake a systematic assessment considering the individual's pregnancy status, as an X-ray of the abdomen, although low dose, carries a much higher risk of teratogenic effects than an X-ray of the extremities. This article considers the risks of ionising radiation in individuals of childbearing age, while paying attention to legislation and the application of the principles of justification, optimisation and dose limitation.

International Journal of Urological Nursing

European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 2018

Nursing Standard, 2015

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent non-cutaneous cancer in men worldwide. As a result of incre... more Prostate cancer is the most prevalent non-cutaneous cancer in men worldwide. As a result of increased survival rates, men and their partners are living longer with the sexual sequelae of active treatments for prostate cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. The effect of erectile dysfunction on the patient and his partner is complex; many men experience psychosocial effects influenced by their hegemonic masculine beliefs. Some men experience difficulties in addressing their needs and require support while they attempt to reframe their beliefs about masculinity. The PLISSIT model can be used to guide healthcare practitioners in assessing and addressing the needs of this group of patients. The man's partner should be included in assessment and interventions where appropriate.

International Journal of Urological Nursing, 2018

Advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) roles are continuing to emerge and evolve worldwide, including ... more Advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) roles are continuing to emerge and evolve worldwide, including in the Republic of Ireland. Progress has been influenced by a number of factors which include; affording opportunities for nurses to advance their careers while remaining in clinical practice; health care cost containment; improving access to care; continuity of patient care and due to limits on junior doctors working hours. Confusion related to the definition of the ANP role, a multitude of role titles, what the role entails and what differentiates it from other specialist roles has impeded its overall development. This has led to difficulties in measuring clinical impact, and leads to conflicting conceptualizations of the role. This article focuses on the application of two domains of advanced practice as identified by Hutchinson et al. and applies the components of those domains of practice to an emerging advanced practice role in urology. The purpose of the article is to provide a tentative professional development framework for the advanced practice urology nursing role involved in managing a caseload of patients diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) focusing on autonomous practice and improving systems of care. These domains of practice are discussed in cognisance of the needs of the population, the demands on the health care organization, and within the defined framework of advanced nursing practice in Ireland.

International Journal of Urological Nursing, 2015

Seminars in oncology nursing, 2021

OBJECTIVE This literature review provides an overview of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer diagn... more OBJECTIVE This literature review provides an overview of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer diagnosis (NMIBC), treatment, and surveillance. Existing evidence is reviewed to identify the NMIBC patient pathway, highlight its effect on quality of life, and identify supportive care needs of this patient group. A framework to guide nurses in the care of this underserved population is proposed. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases including CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched. CONCLUSION NMIBC is a chronic disease with high recurrence and progression rates with most patients requiring invasive treatment and burdensome surveillance schedules with frequent hospital visits. Treatment-related side effects may interrupt therapy and possibly result in its discontinuation. Patients' quality of life can be negatively affected at various stages of the cancer trajectory. Specialist nurses provide holistic care throughout all stages of the patient journey to optim...

International Journal of Urological Nursing

Journal of Prescribing Practice

Nurse referrers of medical ionising radiation (X-ray) are educated to refer appropriately. One pa... more Nurse referrers of medical ionising radiation (X-ray) are educated to refer appropriately. One particular cohort of patients who warrant special consideration regarding the risks associated with X-ray are individuals of childbearing age. In the context of advanced nurse practitioner practice in urology, these patients attend for removal of ureteric stents and may require an abdominal X-ray. In reaching a decision, ANPs undertake a systematic assessment considering the individual's pregnancy status, as an X-ray of the abdomen, although low dose, carries a much higher risk of teratogenic effects than an X-ray of the extremities. This article considers the risks of ionising radiation in individuals of childbearing age, while paying attention to legislation and the application of the principles of justification, optimisation and dose limitation.

Seminars in Oncology Nursing, Feb 1, 2021

OBJECTIVE This literature review provides an overview of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer diagn... more OBJECTIVE This literature review provides an overview of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer diagnosis (NMIBC), treatment, and surveillance. Existing evidence is reviewed to identify the NMIBC patient pathway, highlight its effect on quality of life, and identify supportive care needs of this patient group. A framework to guide nurses in the care of this underserved population is proposed. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases including CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched. CONCLUSION NMIBC is a chronic disease with high recurrence and progression rates with most patients requiring invasive treatment and burdensome surveillance schedules with frequent hospital visits. Treatment-related side effects may interrupt therapy and possibly result in its discontinuation. Patients' quality of life can be negatively affected at various stages of the cancer trajectory. Specialist nurses provide holistic care throughout all stages of the patient journey to optimize supportive care, information provision, and delivery of appropriate treatment and surveillance protocols. NMIBC research is historically underfunded with a paucity of evidence identifying the supportive care needs of this population. Further research is urgently required to fill the gaps identified. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE This timely paper raises the profile of unmet supportive care needs in an underserved research cancer population. Suggestions are proposed to improve the quality of nursing care through standardized practices and the development and integration of patient pathways. Evidence of the effect of NMIBC on family members or carers is absent from the literature. Future research implications and directions are proposed.

European Journal of Oncology Nursing, Apr 1, 2018

Nursing Standard, Nov 18, 2015

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent non-cutaneous cancer in men worldwide. As a result of incre... more Prostate cancer is the most prevalent non-cutaneous cancer in men worldwide. As a result of increased survival rates, men and their partners are living longer with the sexual sequelae of active treatments for prostate cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. The effect of erectile dysfunction on the patient and his partner is complex; many men experience psychosocial effects influenced by their hegemonic masculine beliefs. Some men experience difficulties in addressing their needs and require support while they attempt to reframe their beliefs about masculinity. The PLISSIT model can be used to guide healthcare practitioners in assessing and addressing the needs of this group of patients. The man's partner should be included in assessment and interventions where appropriate.

International Journal of Urological Nursing, Aug 28, 2015

Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in men worldwide. Cancer-related fat... more Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in men worldwide. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most frequently reported side effect of all cancer treatments and occurs in up to 74% of men treated for prostate cancer, particularly those receiving combined hormone and radiation therapies. Patients report the devastating impact of CRF on their quality of life and psychosocial functioning, affecting work, social, emotional and cognitive performance. It can manifest during treatment and persist long after its completion. A diagnosis of CRF is achieved once all other treatable factors such as anaemia or anxiety and depression have been managed, but does not alleviate the fatigue. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F) is a brief and easily administered valid and reliable tool recommended for the assessment of CRF. Non-pharmacological interventions such as activity-based programs and psychosocial interventions including prostate cancer specific education and cognitive behavioural therapy have shown benefits in reducing levels of CRF. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of CRF in prostate cancer patients is advocated. The NICE four-tier model of psychological support can be used as a framework to assist nurses and other health care professionals to alleviate the psychosocial burden of CRF. More research studies using a solid methodological foundation are required in men with prostate cancer to provide robust evidence which can be applied in practice. Key words: Fatigue • Men's health • Oncology nursing • Prostate cancer • Psychological and social scoping • Quality of life Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent male cancers worldwide with more than one million men diagnosed with the disease in 2012 (Cancer Research UK, 2014), and is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men in Ireland (National Cancer Registry Ireland, 2013). Active treatment options for prostate cancer include radical prostatectomy surgery, various forms of radiotherapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. Side effects of treatment include erectile dysfunction, urinary and/or bowel complications, weight gain, gynecomastia and fatigue (Albaugh and Hacker, 2008). Fatigue is experienced almost universally by cancer patients (Reilly et al., 2013; National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), 2015), and by up to 74% of men with prostate cancer (Langston et al., 2013b). Fatigue can be a debilitating side effect of prostate cancer treatments to varying degrees with an inconsistent duration, and is sometimes overlooked,

Journal of prescribing practice, Jan 2, 2020

Nurse referrers of medical ionising radiation (X-ray) are educated to refer appropriately. One pa... more Nurse referrers of medical ionising radiation (X-ray) are educated to refer appropriately. One particular cohort of patients who warrant special consideration regarding the risks associated with X-ray are individuals of childbearing age. In the context of advanced nurse practitioner practice in urology, these patients attend for removal of ureteric stents and may require an abdominal X-ray. In reaching a decision, ANPs undertake a systematic assessment considering the individual's pregnancy status, as an X-ray of the abdomen, although low dose, carries a much higher risk of teratogenic effects than an X-ray of the extremities. This article considers the risks of ionising radiation in individuals of childbearing age, while paying attention to legislation and the application of the principles of justification, optimisation and dose limitation.

International Journal of Urological Nursing

European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 2018

Nursing Standard, 2015

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent non-cutaneous cancer in men worldwide. As a result of incre... more Prostate cancer is the most prevalent non-cutaneous cancer in men worldwide. As a result of increased survival rates, men and their partners are living longer with the sexual sequelae of active treatments for prostate cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. The effect of erectile dysfunction on the patient and his partner is complex; many men experience psychosocial effects influenced by their hegemonic masculine beliefs. Some men experience difficulties in addressing their needs and require support while they attempt to reframe their beliefs about masculinity. The PLISSIT model can be used to guide healthcare practitioners in assessing and addressing the needs of this group of patients. The man's partner should be included in assessment and interventions where appropriate.

International Journal of Urological Nursing, 2018

Advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) roles are continuing to emerge and evolve worldwide, including ... more Advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) roles are continuing to emerge and evolve worldwide, including in the Republic of Ireland. Progress has been influenced by a number of factors which include; affording opportunities for nurses to advance their careers while remaining in clinical practice; health care cost containment; improving access to care; continuity of patient care and due to limits on junior doctors working hours. Confusion related to the definition of the ANP role, a multitude of role titles, what the role entails and what differentiates it from other specialist roles has impeded its overall development. This has led to difficulties in measuring clinical impact, and leads to conflicting conceptualizations of the role. This article focuses on the application of two domains of advanced practice as identified by Hutchinson et al. and applies the components of those domains of practice to an emerging advanced practice role in urology. The purpose of the article is to provide a tentative professional development framework for the advanced practice urology nursing role involved in managing a caseload of patients diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) focusing on autonomous practice and improving systems of care. These domains of practice are discussed in cognisance of the needs of the population, the demands on the health care organization, and within the defined framework of advanced nursing practice in Ireland.

International Journal of Urological Nursing, 2015

Seminars in oncology nursing, 2021

OBJECTIVE This literature review provides an overview of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer diagn... more OBJECTIVE This literature review provides an overview of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer diagnosis (NMIBC), treatment, and surveillance. Existing evidence is reviewed to identify the NMIBC patient pathway, highlight its effect on quality of life, and identify supportive care needs of this patient group. A framework to guide nurses in the care of this underserved population is proposed. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases including CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched. CONCLUSION NMIBC is a chronic disease with high recurrence and progression rates with most patients requiring invasive treatment and burdensome surveillance schedules with frequent hospital visits. Treatment-related side effects may interrupt therapy and possibly result in its discontinuation. Patients' quality of life can be negatively affected at various stages of the cancer trajectory. Specialist nurses provide holistic care throughout all stages of the patient journey to optim...

International Journal of Urological Nursing

Journal of Prescribing Practice

Nurse referrers of medical ionising radiation (X-ray) are educated to refer appropriately. One pa... more Nurse referrers of medical ionising radiation (X-ray) are educated to refer appropriately. One particular cohort of patients who warrant special consideration regarding the risks associated with X-ray are individuals of childbearing age. In the context of advanced nurse practitioner practice in urology, these patients attend for removal of ureteric stents and may require an abdominal X-ray. In reaching a decision, ANPs undertake a systematic assessment considering the individual's pregnancy status, as an X-ray of the abdomen, although low dose, carries a much higher risk of teratogenic effects than an X-ray of the extremities. This article considers the risks of ionising radiation in individuals of childbearing age, while paying attention to legislation and the application of the principles of justification, optimisation and dose limitation.