Consortium Building for Nurse Scientists Interested in Symptoms Research in the Era of Precision Health

Abstract

Purpose This article aims to provide perspectives on the establishment of a consortium for nurse scientists with similar career trajectories interested in cancer‐related symptoms (CRS) research. Hereby, we describe the development of and recent outcomes from the CRS consortium, the lessons learned in establishing the consortium, and future directions to advance the science of CRS. Model and Methods New and innovative strategies are needed to address the complexity of CRS research. A CRS consortium was created to allow a mechanism for oncology nurse scientists with varying expertise to collaborate to advance CRS research. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Symptom Science Model (SSM) guides the research of the CRS Consortium. Discussion and Conclusions A need for improved CRS assessment and management has been identified. The CRS consortium was created as a collaborative think tank to begin to address this need. Guided by the NIH SSM, CRS consortium members have worked to define symptom phenotypes, enhance understanding of the biologic mechanisms that can contribute to symptom phenotypes, and develop tailored interventions to improve symptom management. Dissemination of the CRS consortium efforts involve publications and presentations. Clinical Implications Nurse scientists interested in symptom science and biobehavorial research face many challenges on how to initiate and sustain independent programs of research. Through the formation of a CRS consortium, oncology nurse scientists can work together to address identified issues in symptom measurement and management.

The Oncology Nursing Society Rapid Review and Research Priorities for Cancer Care in the Context of COVID-19

“…Given that much about the experience of COVID-19 remains unknown, nurses' holistic perspectives and unique expertise can provide essential insights into what is meaningful to patients and caregivers related to their symptoms. These insights include helping to understand the mechanisms underlying severe, persistent, or particularly disabling symptoms; documenting the experiences of patients living with long-term symptoms from COVID-19; and developing interventions to help patients with cancer better manage symptoms related to COVID-19 (Hsiao et al, 2020).…”