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A Study of Advanced Practice Provider Staffing Models and Professional Development Opportunities at National
Annie Austin1, Kellyann Jeffries2, Diana Krause3
1Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology
|October 21, 2021
Summary
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Workgroup surveyed institutions. Findings reveal variability in APP roles, visit volumes, and professional development, highlighting the need for standardized practices and leadership support.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Healthcare Administration
- Advanced Practice Providers
Background:
- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) established an Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Workgroup.
- The workgroup aimed to develop recommendations supporting APP roles within NCCN Member Institutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the current structure, staffing, and professional development of APP programs at NCCN Member Institutions.
- To identify areas for standardization and improvement in APP roles within cancer care.
Main Methods:
- Conducted three surveys targeting NCCN Member Institutions.
- Collected data on APP program structure, staffing models, and professional development opportunities.
Main Results:
- APP full-time equivalents manage an average of 40 visits weekly, encompassing shared and independent follow-up and new patient encounters.
- Most centers (72%) use a mixed model for visit types; 95% have APP leads with both administrative and clinical duties.
- Professional development includes presentations (84%), leadership training (57%), and research (52%), with 20% of APPs desiring protected time for development.
Conclusions:
- Significant variability in APP roles and program structures necessitates the development of standardized practices.
- There is a need for clearer leadership structures and further research to support oncology APPs.
- Institutions should prioritize continuous assessment of career-long development opportunities to enhance the value of APPs in cancer care.