Managing intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a medical, nursing, and personal challenge.

Collaboration between physicians and nurses is particularly important in research studies involving such innovative treatment methods as intraperitoneal chemotherapy. In addition to assistance in the design of protocols, the nursing staff is responsible for setting up standards of care, management of dialysis treatments, and patient education and emotional support. Evaluation of complications and side effects of treatment as well as documentation of this information are essential nursing responsibilities. Finally, the possible contribution of the nurse to research, in terms of evaluation of guidelines, treatment effects, and patient education tools, is gaining recognition. Most important, by working together, nurses and physicians can make greater progress toward improving the quality of care--as well as the quality of life--of the cancer patient.