Practical innovation: Advanced practice nurses in cancer care

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Healthcare Delivery Models
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Published guidelines on Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) in adult cancer care in Ontario have evidence gaps.
• Emerging practices of APNs require further documentation and research to inform current guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To consult with APNs to identify emerging practices and fill evidence gaps in adult cancer care guidelines.
• To develop expert panel recommendations for a research agenda focused on collecting Level 1 and 2 evidence.
• To enhance the effective use of APNs in delivering adult cancer services in Ontario.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi process, utilizing the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Methodology (RAM), was employed.
• This three-step process solicited and synthesized expert opinions on APN roles in adult cancer care.
• Thirty-four case examples of APN utilization were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• The modified Delphi process resulted in the endorsement of 30 APN role statements.
• Nine additional recommendations were formulated based on these endorsed statements.
• These recommendations address the use of APNs in adult cancer care delivery.

Conclusions:

• The study's recommendations offer a roadmap for future research in Canada.
• Closing the evidence gap regarding APNs in cancer care delivery is a key outcome.
• This research aims to promote the collection and publication of high-level evidence on APN roles.