Addressing Oncofertility Needs: Views of Female Cancer Patients in Fertility Preservation

A total of 41 questionnaires were returned from 64 respondents who consented to receive a questionnaire through the mail. Almost all valued the opportunity to receive consultation to address their fertility concerns and discuss fertility preservation options. Psychological stress, time pressure, and costs were identified as main factors affecting respondents’ decision to proceed with in-vitro fertilization to cryopreserve oocytes or embryos. About one third indicated that the discussion of fertility matters was initiated by themselves, their friends, and families rather than their health care providers. The findings have identified several major barriers encountered by female cancer patients when seeking fertility preservation services.     

Evidence-Based Strategies for Clinical Organizations to Address COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy

The success of vaccination programs is contingent upon irrefutable scientific safety data combined with high rates of public acceptance and population coverage. Vaccine hesitancy, characterized by lack of confidence in vaccination and/or complacency about vaccination that may lead to delay or refusal of vaccination despite the availability of services, threatens to undermine the success of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination programs. The rapid pace of vaccine development, misinformation in popular and social media, the polarized sociopolitical environment, and the inherent complexities of large-scale vaccination efforts may undermine vaccination confidence and increase complacency about COVID-19 vaccination. Although the experience of recent lethal surges of COVID-19 infections has underscored the value of COVID-19 vaccines, ensuring population uptake of COVID-19 vaccination will require application of multilevel, evidence-based strategies to influence behavior change and address vaccine hesitancy. Recent survey research evaluating public attitudes in the United States toward the COVID-19 vaccine reveals substantial vaccine hesitancy. Building upon efforts at the policy and community level to ensure population access to COVID-19 vaccination, a strong health care system response is critical to address vaccine hesitancy. Drawing on the evidence base in social, behavioral, communication, and implementation science, we review, summarize, and encourage use of interpersonal, individual-level, and organizational interventions within clinical organizations to address this critical gap and improve population adoption of COVID-19 vaccination.     

Freiberuflichkeit EU-weit schützen

Der Freie Zahnarzt - Europatag der Bundeszahnärztekammer. Deutschland wird 2020 die Ratspräsidentschaft der Europäischen Union übernehmen. Somit ist die Europapolitik für...     

Acanthosis Nigricans: An Opportunity for Intervention

The appearance of the velvety and hyperpigmented plaques of acanthosis nigricans (AN) on the skin of overweight and obese children is an early sign of insulin resistance. The presence of AN provides the opportunity for nurse practitioners to identify youth at risk for type 2 diabetes, and offers the chance to encourage youth and families to make lifestyle changes, and to adopt healthier eating habits.