Reflections on the Past Decade in Evidence-Based Practice Within the Children's Oncology Group

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology Nursing
• Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
• Clinical Trials Nursing

Background:

• The Children's Oncology Group (COG) is a key organization for childhood cancer research, supported by the National Cancer Institute.
• The COG Nursing Discipline Committee integrated evidence-based practice (EBP) principles to standardize nursing care for pediatric patients in clinical trials.
• The EBP initiative aims to create evidence-based resources for clinicians managing pediatric cancer treatment from diagnosis through survivorship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of a standardized evidence-based practice (EBP) process within the COG nursing discipline.
• To highlight the establishment of nurse expert teams (NETs) and their role in creating clinical tools and resources.
• To evaluate the impact of the EBP initiative on nursing practice and professional development over 10 years.

Main Methods:

• A rigorous, evidence-based process was developed to guide the creation of clinical tools and resources.
• Nurse expert teams (NETs) were selected and supported with leadership, mentoring, and championship.
• Clinical content developed by NETs underwent approval, and dissemination was guided and overseen.

Main Results:

• The COG Nursing EBP Subcommittee has produced 15 publications involving 90 authors.
• Eleven authors have contributed to multiple publications, indicating sustained engagement.
• The initiative has been in place for 10 years, demonstrating long-term commitment.

Conclusions:

• The COG's EBP initiative has significantly contributed to the professional growth of nursing discipline members.
• Advances in nursing care for children enrolled in pediatric cancer clinical trials have been achieved.
• The standardized EBP process has successfully guided the development of valuable clinical resources and tools.