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Advanced practice issues: results of the ONS Advanced Practice Nursing survey
M P Lynch1, D G Cope, K Murphy-Ende
1Joan Karnell Cancer Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, USA. lynchmp@pahosp.com
Oncology Nursing Forum
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Critical issues persist for advanced practice nurses (APNs) in oncology, including role definition and reimbursement. Further outcomes research is needed to validate the oncology APN role in cancer care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology Nursing
- Advanced Practice Nursing
Background:
- Advanced practice nurses (APNs) play a vital role in oncology care.
- Current challenges and critical issues facing APNs in oncology practice require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and ascertain the critical issues impacting advanced practice nurse (APN) roles within current oncology settings.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, national study was conducted.
- 368 Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) APNs completed a self-administered questionnaire detailing practice, outcomes, education, and challenges.
- The questionnaire included 62 multiple-choice and open-ended questions assessing the importance of various issues for ONS to address.
Main Results:
- Priority practice issues included lack of role definition, inconsistent state board of nursing privileges, and poor understanding of the APN role.
- Key outcomes identified were symptom management, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and cost of care.
- Significant challenges involved reimbursement, prescriptive authority, role definition, and educational variances.
Conclusions:
- Numerous unresolved issues continue to affect APN roles in oncology.
- Outcomes research is essential to validate the contributions and effectiveness of oncology APNs in cancer care.
- Recommendations have been submitted to the ONS for decision-making and potential implementation.