For the first time, Cancer Center Amsterdam has opened a dedicated nursing call, a funding round designed to stimulate nursing research that directly contributes to better care for people with cancer. Thanks to the financial support of the Cancer Center Amsterdam Foundation, two nursing research projects have now been awarded funding.

With this nursing call, CCA makes funding available specifically for research initiated and carried out by nurses. Nurses work closely with patients and their families and see every day where care can become more person-centered, efficient or responsive. This call gives them the opportunity to turn that practical experience into research and, ultimately, into concrete improvements in patient care.

“Nurses have a unique view of where challenges arise in daily care. This nursing call makes it possible to systematically study those challenges and turn them into concrete improvements in direct patient care” - Anne Eskes, principal investigator and initiator of the nursing call
Study 1: Decision regret among patients with colorectal cancer and their families

Research by Anne Marije Luik (nursing research domain)

Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and their families often face difficult decisions about surgery or systemic treatments. Afterwards, some may feel uncertain about or regret the choices they made. This feeling, known as decision regret, can significantly affect their quality of life.

In this study, Anne Marije investigates:

  • How often decision regret occurs
  • The nature of the regret, for example regret related to the chosen treatment, timing or information received
  • Which factors are associated with decision regret, such as how well a person felt informed, the amount of time available to decide, or the level of support from healthcare professionals

These insights will help healthcare providers better identify who may need extra support when making treatment decisions and develop targeted interventions to reduce decision regret.

“Patients with colorectal cancer sometimes look back and have doubts or regret their treatment choice. With this study, we want to better understand where these feelings come from. This grant gives us the opportunity to improve decision-making moments from the perspective of patients and their families” - Anne Marije Luik
Study 2: Life after major surgery for sarcoma and bone metastase

Research by Selma Musters (nursing research domain)

Patients with sarcoma or bone metastases often undergo highly complex surgeries. Large portions of bone or muscle tissue may be removed and, in some cases, even entire limbs. Although these procedures are often necessary to treat disease, reduce pain or prevent fractures, they have a profound impact on daily functioning, quality of life and body image.

With the SUPPORT project, Selma and her colleagues dr. Floortje Verspoor and dr. Stein Janssen will use validated questionnaires to measure how functioning, quality of life and body image change before and after surgery.

They will also conduct interviews to better understand what patients and their families need during the hospital stay and the first period at home. Based on these insights, the team will develop a practical nursing tool that helps nurses more easily and effectively discuss concerns, expectations and support needs with patients.

“How do you move forward after such a life-changing operation? In practice, we often see patients struggling with their changed body image and daily functioning. Thanks to this funding, we can work together with patients, families and colleagues to create care that meets not only medical needs but also emotional and practical needs after major surgery” - Selma Musters