Nursing and Allied Health Virtual Symposium-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The IGCS Nursing and Allied Health Virtual Symposium focused on gynaecological cancer care, emphasizing survivorship and multidisciplinary approaches. Anne Mellon, Chrissy Donovan, and Sarah Belton introduced the session, highlighting the importance of education and international collaboration. The program began with a patient story from Sarah Griffin, who shared her cervical cancer diagnosis experience, fertility preservation via embryo freezing, and a surrogacy journey culminating in the birth of her son. Her story underscored the emotional and practical impacts of cancer on fertility and survivorship.<br /><br />Dr. David Crosby presented on fertility issues and surrogacy in gynaecology, discussing ovarian reserve, effects of cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy on fertility, and the restrictive surrogacy practices in Ireland. He highlighted fertility preservation methods such as egg and embryo freezing and emerging ovarian tissue cryopreservation.<br /><br />Menopause care post-treatment was addressed by Dr. Gregory Otten, who detailed menopausal symptoms, psychological and physical impacts, and the benefits and risks of hormone therapy. Andrea Fernandes presented nurse-led menopause research, emphasizing women’s varied experiences, barriers to care, cultural influences, and the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions.<br /><br />Donna Chakrabarty discussed genetics from a nursing perspective, outlining mainstreaming of genetic counseling, nursing roles in hereditary cancer risk assessment, and ethical considerations.<br /><br />A multidisciplinary panel, including nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, and physicians from diverse settings, discussed integrated care for a cervical cancer patient with complex medical, psychological, social, and fertility-related needs. They highlighted the nurse’s role as patient advocate and coordinator, the importance of psychosocial support, survivorship care, service navigation, and ongoing collaboration.<br /><br />The symposium reinforced the importance of comprehensive, patient-centered care through multidisciplinary collaboration and continuous education in gynecological oncology nursing.

Keywords

IGCS Nursing and Allied Health Virtual Symposium

gynaecological cancer care

survivorship

multidisciplinary approaches

patient story

cervical cancer diagnosis

fertility preservation

embryo freezing

surrogacy journey

ovarian reserve

cancer treatments impact on fertility

menopause care post-treatment

nurse-led menopause research

genetic counseling in nursing

integrated care in gynecological oncology