Practical innovation: Advanced practice nurses in cancer care

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to gather emerging practice evidence, through consultation with Advance Practice Nurses (APN), to fill the evidence gaps in the published guidelines, Effective Use of Advanced Practice Nurses in the Delivery of Adult Cancer Services in Ontario, and to provide a set of expert panel recommendations to build a research agenda to promote the collection and publication of Level 1 and 2 evidence. Method: A three-step RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Methodology (RAM) modified Delphi process was used to solicit expert opinion on the use of APNs in adult cancer care in Ontario. Results: Thirty-four (34) case examples of APN use were gathered. The modified Delphi process concluded with the endorsement of 30 APN role statements that were used to develop nine (9) additional recommendations regarding the use of APNs in the delivery of adult cancer care. Conclusion: The recommendations from this study provide direction for future research to close the current evidence gap regarding the role of APNs in cancer care delivery in Canada.

An Evolutionary Concept Analysis of Palliative Care in Oncology Care

“…There is increasing amounts of evidence on the benefits of palliative care; however, there is a corresponding need for nursing research on how best to implement, design, and evaluate interventions to effectuate early integration and seamless care transitions within existing health systems 24. This research is necessary to provide exemplary care coordination throughout the disease trajectory and can inform seamless transitions, particularly between inpatient and community teams 47…”

“…24 This research is necessary to provide exemplary care coordination throughout the disease trajectory and can inform seamless transitions, particularly between inpatient and community teams. 47…”