Oncology Nursing Research: Moving Toward Equitable and Inclusive Science

One of the challenges for nurse scientists, particularly those of us educated in traditional academic models, is the question of how to make certain that our research addresses critical barriers to achieving health and healthcare equity. Traditional research inculcation taught us to focus on discrete, answerable questions, using an attainable sample given the financial and practical limitations inherent in research implementation. Although these techniques were part of an agreed-upon scientific method, the restrictions can lead to an answer to a circumscribed question but fail to articulate the broader issues inherent in designing and implementing human research that moves from inquiry to impact. Although our strong history in oncology nursing research includes a range of health concerns and responses to cancer, including biologic, socio-cultural, sex and gender, and, more recently, financial, I think that we, as oncology nurse scientists, agree that the focus of our research needs to more explicitly address pernicious aspects of health that lead to health disparities: racism and structural discrimination. Racism and structural barriers cloud all aspects of oncology: early detection, the design and uptake of promising therapeutics, quality of life, and financial well-being during active treatment and survivorship. How do we take the essential steps to not only measure but also address these critical barriers to reduce disparities and bring about more equitable and salubrious outcomes in oncology nursing research?