Cancer-related cognitive impairment in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia treated with hypomethylating agents and venetoclax chemotherapy: a longitudinal descriptive study.

PURPOSE: To explore cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving venetoclax in combination with hypomethylating agents or low-dose cytarabine chemotherapy. METHODS: This study is a longitudinal, qualitative descriptive study. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 11 older adults with AML at cycle 2, cycle 4, and cycle 7 of chemotherapy. An early end-of-study interview was conducted for those who changed treatment plans during the study follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 22 transcripts were included for thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: (1) CRCI experiences, (2) impact of CRCI, (3) CRCI coping strategies, and (4) perceived CRCI-related factors. Older adults with AML experienced challenges in memory, language, and attention both intermittently and daily. These cognitive changes impacted their emotion, daily activities, social connection, and their caregivers' responsibilities. Hence, these older adults with AML developed problem-solving and emotional coping strategies to cope with CRCI. Older adults with AML also identified demographic, physiology/clinical, psychological, and other factors that might contribute to CRCI. CONCLUSION: This study offers important insight for clinicians to understand how older adults with AML experience CRCI and how it impacts their daily routines. It indicates that clinicians should ask patients about their experience with cognitive changes at each encounter to provide support or coping strategies as needed to prevent CRCI from further hindering their quality of life.

Care partners experience of an oral health intervention for individuals with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia using behavior change technique: A qualitative study.

Oral health declines in older adults with cognitive impairment. We aimed to improve oral hygiene outcomes for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia (MD) by fostering behavior changes among carepartners assisting them. We used qualitative data of verbatim transcripts of coaching sessions with carepartners (n = 17 dyads:10 dyads for MCI, 7 dyads for MD). Directed and emergent coding were used to understand behavior change techniques (BCTs). BCTs were compared with carepartners of participants with MCI and MD. Most frequently used BCTs in both groups: prompts and cues, instruction on how to perform the behavior, review behavioral goal, and problem solving. Different BCTs emerged in study: social support-unspecified of the MCI group and credible source for MD group. Findings clarified active intervention components, common BCTs used by carepartners, and different BCT approaches for both participants. Findings help to elucidate the mechanisms of changes in individuals' behaviors in these interventions.

Perspectives of caregivers of older adults with acute myeloid leukemia during initial hypomethylating agents and venetoclax chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Older adults with AML commonly receive a hypomethylating agent (HMA) as first-line therapy. The addition of venetoclax (VEN) to HMAs has been shown to improve remission rates and overall survival. The use of combination therapy (HMA + VEN) requires frequent follow-up, results in longer infusion times, and likely increases caregiver responsibility at home. We describe experiences of informal caregivers (family/friends) providing care to older adults with AML receiving HMA + VEN. METHODS: Fourteen caregivers of older adults with AML receiving HMA + VEN (September 2020 to September 2021) were recruited as part of a control group of an ongoing NIH-funded clinical trial. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain initial insight into caregiver experiences at the start of HMA + VEN treatment. Two researchers analyzed the data using thematic content analysis. Data saturation occurred when no new themes were found in subsequent interviews, but all interviews were coded and synthesized. RESULTS: Of the 14 caregivers interviewed, the majority were spouses (n = 10), female (n = 13), and aged 45 to 83 (median age 65). We identified five themes: (1) the impact of an AML diagnosis in older adulthood, (2) care recipient condition changes, (3) perspectives of caregiving roles and tasks, (4) factors influencing caregiving experiences, and (5) support system roles. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Caregivers for older adults with AML report a range of experiences navigating health systems, caregiving responsibilities, and resource needs. The risk for caregiver burden and unmet needs should be addressed to improve caregivers' abilities to provide care.

Barriers and facilitators to the engagement of physical activity among Black and African American cancer survivors during and after treatments.

PURPOSE: To identify physical activity (PA) barriers and facilitators among Black and African American (Black/AA) cancer survivors that should be considered in future PA intervention development for this population. METHODS: A community advisory board (CAB) of Black/AA cancer survivors and patient advocates guided in-depth qualitative interviews (n = 19) that were completed via telephone using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed using directed content analysis to detail a report of PA barriers and facilitators during and after cancer treatment. The CAB reviewed and interpreted these barriers and facilitators to identify the final results. RESULTS: Survivors (n = 19) of nine different types of cancer completed interviews. PA barriers during cancer treatments included physical and psychological suffering. PA barriers after cancer treatments included social and environmental constraints (e.g., lack of access needed for PA, safety concerns, and competing priorities). PA facilitators both during and after cancer treatments included family support, faith, and support from other survivors. PA facilitators during treatment also included feeling better after doing PA, setting realistic and flexible goals, and gaining a sense of control of one's health by striving for PA goals. CONCLUSIONS: To increase PA among Black/AA cancer survivors, PA interventions are needed that address structural barriers, include the role of faith, leverage family support, highlight the psychological benefits of PA, and use goal setting.

Exploring the relationship between social support and mental health status among lymphoma survivors: Does patient-centered communication really matter? A brief report.

The purpose of this study was to explore whether patient-centered communication (PCC) would partially mediate the relationship between social support and mental health status among adult survivors of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Methods: Secondary analysis of self-administered questionnaires mailed to 682 adults with NHL who were assumed living and had completed the baseline 2005 study (83% response rate). Adult NHL survivors (n = 566) and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Sobel test. Results: PCC partially mediated the relationship between social support and three measures of mental health outcomes (SF-36 Mental Component Summary [SF36-MCS], Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version [PCL-C], Impact of Cancer - Negative Impact Summary [IOCv2 NIS]). Results of the conservative Sobel test were significant (p < .01) in three mediation models. Conclusions: Future research should focus on testing interventions that target PCC and identifying additional mediators and moderators between social support and mental health outcomes among cancer survivors.

Evaluating the Knowledge Change Before and After Continuing Cancer Education in Malawian Nurses.

Malawi has a high cancer incidence and mortality. Efforts to train and educate oncology nurses have been identified as an area of need. This study evaluates the educational needs of oncology nurses in Malawi and the effects of a virtual cancer education program on improving the knowledge of cancer epidemiology, treatment, and nursing care of common cancers among oncology nurses in Malawi. The educational programs consisted of four sessions at one-month intervals focused on Cancer Screening, Survivorship, Radiation Therapy, and Complementary and Alternative Therapies. A pretest-posttest design was used. Overall, there was an increase in knowledge at each session: cancer screening (47% vs 95%), survivorship (22% vs 100%), radiation therapy (66% vs 100%), and complementary and alternative therapies (63% vs 88%). Using virtual continuing education sessions is an effective tool to enhance the knowledge of oncology nurses in Malawi. These education sessions can serve as an example of how other Schools of Nursing and cancer centers in high-resource countries can collaborate with hospitals and Schools of Nursing in low- and middle-resource countries to support the advancement of oncology nursing knowledge, and ultimately, oncologic care.

Evaluation of an intensive workshop on research methods in supportive oncology.

OBJECTIVES: Since 2015, the Harvard Workshop on Research Methods in Supportive Oncology has trained early-career investigators in skills to develop rigorous studies in supportive oncology. This study examines workshop evaluations over time in the context of two factors: longitudinal participant feedback and a switch from in-person to virtual format during the COVID pandemic. METHODS: We examined post-workshop evaluations for participants who attended the workshop from 2015 to 2021. We qualitatively analyzed evaluation free text responses on ways in which the workshop could be improved and "other comments." Potential areas of improvement were categorized and frequencies were compiled longitudinally. Differences in participants' ratings of the workshop and demographics between in-person and virtual formats were investigated with t-tests and Chi-square tests, respectively. RESULTS: 286 participants attended the workshop over 8 years. Participant ratings of the workshop remained consistently high without substantial variation across all years. Three main themes emerged from the "other comments" item: (1) sense of community; (2) passion and empowerment; and (3) value of protected time. Participants appeared to identify fewer areas for improvement over time. There were no significant differences in participant ratings or demographics between the in-person and virtual formats. SIGNIFINACE OF RESULTS: While the workshop has experienced changes over time, participant evaluations varied little. The core content and structure might have the greatest influence on participants' experiences.

Relationships among uncertainty, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and quality of life in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine relationships among uncertainty, PTSD symptoms (PTSS), and quality of life (QOL) in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) survivors. METHODS: Eligible NMIBC survivors were identified through the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry, and 398 survivors participated in a mailed survey that measured survivor's outcomes (uncertainty, PTSS, and QOL). Structural equation modeling was used to examine the mediating effect of uncertainty and PTSS on the association between personal characteristics and QOL in NMIBC survivors. RESULTS: NMIBC survivors experienced cancer-related uncertainty; higher uncertainty was associated with male, lower income, lack of cure, and lower cognition-ability. Uncertainty was significantly and negatively associated with QOL. In addition, PTSS completely mediated the effect of uncertainty on QOL, and higher PTSS had a strong association with poorer QOL. Additionally, comorbidities, cognition-general concerns, uncertainty, and PTSS had strong negative effects on QOL. CONCLUSION: This study has identified modifiable psychosocial factors which affect QOL in NMIBC survivors. The study findings can be used in the development of interventions to improve QOL for NMIBC survivors.

A cross-sectional observational study of health-related quality of life in adults with multiple myeloma.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this manuscript is to describe health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes in a United States (US)-based sample of multiple myeloma (MM) patients and identify characteristics associated with poor HRQoL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: MM patients identified through the Tumor Registry of a Southeastern US medical center were mailed surveys assessing patient characteristics and HRQoL outcomes. HRQoL outcomes were measured using PROMIS short form instruments which included measures of global health (global physical health and global mental health), physical function, and ability to participate in social roles and activities (social function). HRQoL domain scores were summarized, and best subset linear regression was used to identify predictors of HRQoL. RESULTS: A total of 690 patients completed and returned surveys for a response rate of 64.7%. Respondents reported global physical health (44.9), global mental health (47.5), and physical function (44.1) significantly worse than the general population mean of 50 (p < .0001). Social function (49.5) did not differ significantly (p = .09). Worse socioeconomic status, higher comorbidities, not being in remission, and past receipt of radiation therapy were significantly associated with worse HRQoL. Treatment status and time since diagnosis were not associated with HRQoL outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MM have significantly worse HRQoL than the general population. These findings warrant increased attention from clinicians and researchers. More research is needed to better describe the relationship between treatment patterns and HRQoL in patients with MM, and to identify effective interventions.

An academic-practice partnership during COVID-19 pandemic: Transitioning from a clinical to virtual fellowship.

AIMS: Discuss the needed modifications that occurred to the academic-practice oncology partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND: To meet the workforce needs of nurses who care for adults with cancer, an academic-practice partnership was created in 2016. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing, North Carolina Cancer Hospital and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center collaborated to provide structured clinical and didactic practice experiences for undergraduate nursing students interested in oncology nursing. With COVID-19, nursing students were not permitted to be in the clinical setting. DESIGN: Discursive paper. METHOD: An innovative and collaborative partnership created reflective and interactive activities. The majority of the learning activities were created at the revised Bloom's taxonomy level of application or higher, with some encompassing multiple levels. Students engaged in a variety of meaningful experiences requiring multiple learning processes that promoted professional development in the interpersonal and critical thinking domains. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the delivery of oncology nurse fellowship was successful because of innovative virtual strategies. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Our academic-practice partnership allowed the nursing students to develop their interpersonal and critical thinking skills without entering the clinical site. This is an approach encouraged by the authors for other schools of nursing. This manuscript is submitted as a Special Issue Discursive Article, and thus, the authors declare that an EQUATOR Checklist has not been used.

Interprofessional communication in the care of adults with cancer: exploring clinicians' perceptions of team rounding.

Interprofessional communication (IPC) is important for the inpatient oncology team due to the complexity and acuity of oncology patients. One intervention used to improve IPC is team rounding, yet few researchers have explored experiences of team members with team rounding. In this study, 12 interviews were conducted with providers from five different professions: Nursing Assistant, Registered Nurse, Pharmacist, Advanced Practice Provider, and Physician. We aimed to identify communication barriers and explore providers' perceptions of team rounding and IPC through semi-structured interviews on the adult inpatient oncology unit. Interviews were coded and conventional content analysis used. Facilitators identified were: effective team communication: (a) including interprofessional stakeholders in rounding and communication; (b) the importance of "real-time" communication; and (c) team dynamics. Barriers identified were: effective team communication: (a) workflow-related issues and (b) team dynamics. Findings from this study indicate each profession had unique perceptions, but all had a positive outlook on the necessity of IPC in the delivery of optimal cancer care.

Using Cognitive Interviewing to Design Interventions for Implementation in Oncology Settings.

BACKGROUND: Implementation of effective interventions into clinical practice is slow, in large part, because researchers do not sufficiently attend to the realities of nurses who implement interventions. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to provide an exemplar of how cognitive interviewing-an important and underused method for developing nursing research-can be used to design survey items and assess multilevel implementation factors. METHODS: We utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to create a survey to assess factors that influence how oncology nurses deliver physical activity interventions. Two rounds of cognitive interviews were conducted with five purposively selected oncology nurses to assess survey items' clarity and effectiveness at eliciting desired information. We used a cognitive interviewing coding scheme to code data and revise unclear items. Participants completed the revised survey online and underwent a second interview to provide additional feedback. RESULTS: Seven important changes were made to the survey: how to assess nurses' perceptions of other nurses' beliefs and practices; language to capture data relating to nursing leadership and administration; increased detail to assess factors related to nurses' workplaces; language related to capturing factors related to policy; language to capture data related to equity, disparities, and cultural tailoring; terms replacement with language used by nurses; and strategy to capture data about nurses' knowledge of national physical activity recommendations for cancer survivors. DISCUSSION: Cognitive interviewing can be applied to develop survey items that capture real-world experiences and perspectives of practicing nurses. This is an essential step in developing nursing interventions that are ready to be implemented and increasing the uptake of evidence-based nursing care. Cognitive interviewing can be used across nursing settings, populations, and interventions to develop understandings of attitudes, attributes, characteristics, and perceptions for a variety of nursing interventions.

Health-related quality of life among non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer survivors: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) diagnosis and treatment on survivors' quality of life (QoL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of the 5979 patients with NMIBC diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 in North Carolina, 2000 patients were randomly selected to be invited to enroll in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected by postal mail survey. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core (QLQ-C30) and the NMIBC-specific module were included in the survey to measure QoL. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, anova, and Pearson's correlation were used to describe demographics and to assess how QoL varied by sex, cancer stage, time since diagnosis, and treatment. RESULTS: A total of 398 survivors returned questionnaires (response rate: 23.6%). The mean QoL score for QLQ-C30 (range 0-100, higher = better QoL in all domains but symptoms) for global health status was 73.6, function domain scores ranged from 83.9 to 86.5, and scores for the top five symptoms (insomnia, fatigue, dyspnoea, pain, and financial difficulties) ranged from 14.1 to 24.3. The lowest NMIBC-specific QoL domain was sexual issues including sexual function, enjoyment, problems, and intimacy. Women had worse bowel problems, sexual function, and sexual enjoyment than men but better sexual intimacy and fewer concerns about contaminating their partner. Stage Ta had the highest global health status, followed by T1 and Tis. QoL did not vary by time since diagnosis except for sexual function. The cystectomy group (n = 21) had worse QoL in sexual function, discomfort with sexual intimacy, sexual enjoyment, and male sexual problems than the non-cystectomy group (n = 336). CONCLUSION: Survivors of NMIBC face a unique burden associated with their diagnosis and the often-lifelong surveillance and treatment regimens. The finding has important implications for the design of tailored supportive care interventions to improve QoL for NMIBC survivors.

Oral adherence in adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML): results of a mixed methods study.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of AML is increasing, in part due to an aging population. Since 2017, eight novel agents have been introduced, 6 of which are oral: midostaurin, enasidenib, ivosidenib, gilteritinib, glasdegib, and venetoclax. With an increase in oral medications (OMs), patients face associated side effects that accompany OMs, which often decreases adherence. We aimed to identify and summarize adherence to OMs in this population. METHODS: Our mixed method design used focus groups (FG) and patient surveys. After IRB approval, 11 patients and 4 caregivers participated in 4 FGs. Themes from the FGs were used to develop a 37-item OMs adherence needs assessment. Participants were recruited and consented at three cancer centers to complete surveys (online, at the clinic, hospital, or from home). RESULTS: A total of 100 patients completed OMs survey. The number of pills to be taken was the most frequent and troublesome challenge. The most frequently reported interventions that would improve patient adherence were smaller pills, easier packaging, and scheduling assistance. Nearly 33% of patients indicated they skip OMs dose altogether when they forget to take it. Younger patients (< 65 years) were more accepting of taking oral compared with intravenous medications (p = .03). CONCLUSION: This study represents the first assessment of OMs adherence in adults with AML. Findings provide the basis for further exploration of interventions to enhance and increase adherence to OMs regimens.

Pilot randomized trial of an electronic symptom monitoring and reporting intervention for hospitalized adults undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

PURPOSE: Patients undergoing a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) have varied symptoms during their hospitalization. This study examined whether daily symptom reporting (with electronic patient-reported outcomes [PROs]) in an inpatient bone marrow transplant clinic reduced symptom burden on post-transplant days +7, +10, and +14. METHODS: A prospective, single-institution 1:1 pilot randomized, two-arm study recruited HCT patients. HCT inpatients (N = 76) reported daily on 16 common symptoms using the PRO version of the Common Terminology for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE). Fisher's exact test was used to examine differences in the proportion of patients reporting individual symptoms. Multivariable linear regression modeling was used to examine group differences in peak symptom burden, while controlling for symptom burden at baseline, age, comorbidity, and transplantation type (autologous or allogeneic). RESULTS: HCT patients receiving the PRO intervention also experienced lower peak symptom burden (average of 16 symptoms) at days +7, +10, and +14 (10.4 vs 14.5, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Daily use of electronic symptom reporting to nurses in an inpatient bone marrow transplant clinic reduced peak symptom burden and improved individual symptoms during the 2 weeks post-transplant. A multi-site trial is warranted to demonstrate the generalizability, efficacy, and value of this intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02574897.

Best practices and inclusion of team science principles in appointment promotion and tenure documents in research intensive schools of nursing.

BACKGROUND: Nurse scientists are highly sought after and find satisfaction in serving as members of interdisciplinary research teams. These teams also tend to be highly productive. However, nurse scientists in academia also have to reach certain productivity milestones to be promoted and receive tenure that may be incongruent with team science principles. PURPOSE: This study therefore sought to examine whether APT documents in research intensive nursing schools incorporate team science principles. METHODS: Qualitatively analyzed the appointment, promotion and tenure documents of 18 U.S. based research intensive schools of nursing with over $2 million in NIH funding in fiscal year 2014. FINDINGS: The study found that only 8 of 18 documents included any reference to team science principles and even these mentions were largely negligible. There were few best practices to recommend across documents. By not recognizing team science within these documents, nursing risks marginalization within the larger scientific community by limiting mentorship and learning opportunities for early career nurse scientists. DISCUSSION: Schools of nursing should revisit their promotion and tenure criteria and include a greater commitment to encouragement of team science.

Exercise Promotion in Geriatric Oncology.

Evidence of the benefits of exercise for people with cancer from diagnosis through survivorship is growing. However, most cancers occur in older adults and little exercise advice is available for making specific recommendations for older adults with cancer. Individualized exercise prescriptions are safe, feasible, and beneficial for the geriatric oncology population. Oncology providers must be equipped to discuss the short- and long-term benefits of exercise and assist older patients in obtaining appropriate exercise prescriptions. This review provides detailed information about professionals and their roles as it relates to functional assessment, intervention, and evaluation of the geriatric oncology population. This review addresses the importance of functional status assessment and appropriate referrals to other oncology professionals.

Evaluation of a peer mentoring program for early career gerontological nursing faculty and its potential for application to other fields in nursing and health sciences.

BACKGROUND: As the retirement rate of senior nursing faculty increases, the need to implement new models for providing mentorship to early career academics will become key to developing and maintaining an experienced faculty. PURPOSE: This evaluation of a peer mentorship program for predoctoral and postdoctoral gerontological nurses examined its efficacy, utility, and potential for improvement. METHODS: A web-based survey was developed, implemented, and completed by 22 mentees and 17 mentors (71% and 61% response rates, respectively) as part of the evaluation. DISCUSSION: The peer mentorship program was found to be valuable by both mentors (64.7%) and mentees (72.7%) in helping mentees further develop their careers and networks and providing mentors with supported mentorship experience. CONCLUSION: The peer mentorship program could serve as a model for other professional organizations, academic institutions, and consortiums to enhance and extend the formal vertical mentorship provided to early academic career individuals.

Geriatric Assessment of Older Adults With Cancer During Unplanned Hospitalizations: An Opportunity in Disguise.

BACKGROUND: Geriatric assessment (GA) is an important tool for management of older cancer patients; however, GA research has been performed primarily in the outpatient setting. The primary objective of this study was to determine feasibility of GA during an unplanned hospital stay. Secondary objectives were to describe deficits found with GA, to assess whether clinicians recognized and addressed deficits, and to determine 30-day readmission rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was designed as an extension of an existing registry, "Carolina Senior: Registry for Older Patients." Inclusion criteria were age 70 and older and biopsy-proven solid tumor, myeloma, or lymphoma. Patients had to complete the GA within 7 days of nonelective admission to University of North Carolina Hospital. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients were approached, and 90 (63%) consented to participation. All sections of GA had at least an 83% completion rate. Overall, 53% of patients reported problems with physical function, 63% had deficits in instrumental activities of daily living, 34% reported falls, 12% reported depression, 31% had ≥10% weight loss, and 12% had abnormalities in cognition. Physician documentation of each deficit ranged from 20% to 46%. Rates of referrals to allied health professionals were not significantly different between patients with and without deficits. The 30-day readmission rate was 29%. CONCLUSION: GA was feasible in this population. Hospitalized older cancer patients have high levels of functional and psychosocial deficits; however, clinician recognition and management of deficits were poor. The use of GA instruments to guide referrals to appropriate services is a way to potentially improve outcomes in this vulnerable population. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Geriatric assessment (GA) is an important tool in the management of older cancer patients; however, its primary clinical use has been in the outpatient setting. During an unplanned hospitalization, patients are extremely frail and are most likely to benefit from GA. This study demonstrates that hospitalized older adults with cancer have high levels of functional deficits on GA. These deficits are under-recognized and poorly managed by hospital-based clinicians in a tertiary care setting. Incorporation of GA measures during a hospital stay is a way to improve outcomes in this population.

Development and implementation of a peer mentoring program for early career gerontological faculty.

PURPOSE: The Hartford Gerontological Nursing Leaders (HGNL) formerly known as the Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Initiative (BAGNC), in conjunction with the National Hartford Centers of Gerontological Nursing Excellence (NHCGNE), developed and executed a peer mentoring program beginning in 2011 to enhance both (a) the experience of newly selected scholars and fellows to the NHCGNE and (b) the ongoing professional development of HGNL members. The purpose of this article is to describe key strategies used to develop and execute the peer mentoring program and to present formative program evaluation. DESIGN: The program was launched in January 2011 with seven peer mentor and mentee matches. In June 2012, the peer mentoring committee solicited feedback on the development of the peer mentoring program and changes were made for the subsequent cohorts. FINDINGS: An additional 12 matches were made in the following 2 years (2012 and 2013), for a total of 31 matches to date. We have learned several key lessons from our three cohorts regarding how to structure, implement, and carefully evaluate a peer mentoring program. CONCLUSIONS: Informal evaluation of our peer mentoring program noted several challenges for both peer mentors and mentees. Having knowledge of and addressing those challenges may increase the overall quality and effectiveness of peer mentoring programs and, in turn, benefit academic nursing by strengthening the faculty workforce. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings from development and implementation of a peer mentoring program for gerontological faculty could lead to new and adaptable programs in a variety of clinical and education settings.