Pilot Testing an Adapted Version of the Registered Nursing Forecasting (RN4CAST) Nurse Survey in Systemic Anti-Cancer...

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Healthcare Workforce Management
• Survey Methodology

Background:

• Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) day units face significant workload and staffing challenges.
• Existing workforce forecasting tools require adaptation for specialized SACT day unit environments.
• The Registered Nursing Forecasting (RN4CAST) survey was modified to the RN4CAST-SACT-D survey for this context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot test the adapted RN4CAST-SACT-D survey for feasibility in SACT day units.
• To evaluate the usability and initial acceptance of the survey among nursing staff.
• To gather preliminary data on workforce-related factors within SACT day units.

Main Methods:

• A convergent mixed-methods feasibility study incorporating qualitative interviews.
• Five SACT day units participated, with nurses completing the RN4CAST-SACT-D survey.
• Patients completed the Patient-Reported Chemotherapy Indicators of Symptoms and Experience (PR-CISE) survey.

Main Results:

• The RN4CAST-SACT-D survey achieved a 69.3% nurse response rate (43/62).
• Semi-structured interviews with 12 nurses provided qualitative insights.
• The PR-CISE patient survey had a 50% response rate (172/344).

Conclusions:

• The RN4CAST-SACT-D survey demonstrates feasibility for assessing workforce factors in SACT day units.
• The survey methodology requires further refinement for optimal applicability and effectiveness.
• Current SACT day unit staffing relies on historical data, highlighting the need for setting-specific research.