The development of a conceptual framework for advancing cancer nursing practice in Europe

Continued professional development through formal education programmes is essential for improving the quality of care provided to patients with cancer. This paper describes a European Oncology Nursing Society project concerned with advanced cancer nursing education. While the development of an education programme for advanced cancer nursing practice in Europe proves difficult at this time, this project has provided the opportunity to examine some of the key elements of advanced cancer nursing work. In turn, the information gained has enabled the development of a conceptual framework for advancing cancer nursing practice in Europe to be constructed.