[The Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) in gynaecological oncology - development of an evidence-based concept]

The Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) in gynaecological oncology - development of an evidence-based concept Abstract. Background: The role of an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) is suggested to provide supportive care for women with gynaecological cancer throughout the caring process. In Austria and Switzerland, APN development is at its beginning and there is a lack of systematically developed role concepts.

The aim of this study was to develop relevant contents of an evidence-based APN concept for gynaecological oncology in Austria and Switzerland.

The concept was developed by using a matrix elaborated on the basis of the PEPPA plus framework, and complemented by elements of the Nursing Role Effectiveness Model (NREM). The matrix synthesised data from four previous conducted studies. Thirteen experts from nursing and medicine validated the concept.

Divided into structure, process and outcome criteria, the concept describes main contents of an APN in gynaecological oncology within the Austrian and Swiss healthcare context. Further, relationships between structure-process, structure-outcome and process-outcome are described.

The concept developed in this study provides a basis for (1) the future development of an APN role description in gynaecologic oncology on an institutional level and (2) curriculum development of corresponding degree programs. Due to the common basis, a harmonisation of APN in the Austrian and Swiss context might be supported.