Involvement of nurses in an outpatient chemotherapy center in the PANDA program for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is rapidly progressive and difficult to detect in its early stages. It is important to provide support to patients and their families from various perspectives, including palliative care and social support from the outset. PANDA (PANcreatic Direct Approach team) is a system that allows multi-professional staff to practice direct care by utilizing their specialized knowledge and skills. Information about palliative care can be distressing for patients and their families at a time when they are starting to make an ambitious commitment to cancer treatment, due to the common misconception that palliative care is medical treatment administered when cancer treatment is no longer available. PANDA is committed to supporting patients with pancreatic cancer and their families from the outset by providing multi-disciplinary team medical care for their physical pain, mental distress, and social difficulties, including such misunderstandings. In addition, we examined and developed ways to practice holistic care while continuing cancer chemotherapy, which is considered necessary for nurses in an outpatient chemotherapy center.