Technological advances in oncology: reflections for the nursing practice

Abstract

This article has the purpose to discuss the technological advances incorporated in healthcare both, the hardware and software, that are important essential and complementary for the diagnosis and oncologic treatment; and to consider their implications on the nursing practice within this scenario. The nurse should be able to evaluate the use of these technologies on aspects regarding safety, effectiveness, cost-benefit, social impact, with emphasis on the analysis of the ethical issues surrounding the different situations. Therefore, the nurse can make decisions that favor, primarely, the patient's interests and not other interests, of any nature. It is considered that the great challenge in present times is to prepare professionals able to incorporate and update the knowledge necessary for the use of existing and new technologies without loosing the fundamental human values.