Navigating uncertainty: The implementation of Australian radiation therapy advanced practitioners

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing and Allied Health
• Healthcare Management and Policy

Background:

• Radiation therapy advanced practice is established internationally but not systematically integrated in Australian radiation oncology.
• Understanding implementation barriers and facilitators is crucial for advancing patient care models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore factors influencing the implementation of radiation therapy advanced practice in Australia.
• To develop a theoretical framework explaining the implementation process.

Main Methods:

• Constructivist grounded theory methodology.
• Data collection via online focus groups (n=6), interviews, and clinical observations (n=5 case study sites).

Main Results:

• A grounded theory, 'navigating uncertainty,' emerged to describe the implementation process.
• Three inter-related processes were identified: conceptualising, integrating, and becoming the advanced practitioner.

Conclusions:

• Accommodating uncertainty is essential for successful radiation therapy advanced practice implementation.
• Addressing contextual factors is key to realizing advanced practice objectives in Australian radiation oncology.