Consensus Building to Identify Nursing Research Priorities Among Oncology Nurses: A Delphi Study in a National Cancer...

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing Science
• Clinical Practice Advancement

Background:

• Understanding real-world concerns of oncology nurses is crucial for advancing nursing science and clinical practice.
• Nurses providing direct cancer care or managing supportive processes face unique challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a comprehensive list of real-world concerns for oncology nurses.
• To establish consensus on the importance of these identified concerns.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Delphi survey methodology in a 3-phase prospective, descriptive study.
• Included expert identification (registered nurses in comprehensive cancer centers).
• Conducted qualitative content analysis of nurse responses, followed by importance ratings of research themes.

Main Results:

• Patient safety emerged as the highest research priority.
• Other significant priorities included patient education, oncologic emergencies, adherence to care, team communication, psychosocial needs, patient-reported outcomes, quality of life, and burnout (team and nurse).

Conclusions:

• Findings underscore the nursing discipline's focus on patient safety.
• Prioritized issues highlight the need for research in patient-related factors and the work environment in oncology nursing.