Improving cancer-related fatigue outcomes. Walking patients through treatment and beyond

Participation in the ONS Foundation-supported Breast Cancer Care Quality Measures Set pilot study defined areas of need for compliance with proposed standards. Key outcomes were the revision of nursing assessment and documentation tools. Subsequent to those efforts, a walking track was made available for patients within the clinical cancer center. The track serves as an exercise resource for patients and family members to use while waiting for and after appointments. The planning involved multiple disciplines, and criteria established by the multidisciplinary team defined what group of patients should be advised of or encouraged to use the walking track without provider consultation. The scheduled nurse-patient education appointment prior to start of chemotherapy provides the venue for the discussion. The goal is to assist patients in staying active during and after treatment.