Nursing Strategic Imperatives: Engaging Nurses in Strategy Development and Execution to Drive Value.

Strategic plans provide a roadmap for value creation by outlining key priorities that, when executed successfully, enhance quality and efficiency. Nurses are uniquely positioned to inform strategic planning because of their understanding of clinical operations and consumer needs. This article describes a multiphase process for engaging nurses, at all levels, in developing, implementing, and revising a nursing strategic plan over a 5-year period.

Value of Nurse Practitioner Inpatient Hospital Staffing.

BACKGROUND: Evidence indicates hospitals with better registered nurse (RN) staffing have better patient outcomes. Whether involving more nurse practitioners (NPs) in inpatient care produces better outcomes is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of more NPs produces better inpatient outcomes net of RN staffing. RESEARCH DESIGN: This was a 2015-2016 cross-sectional data on 579 hospitals linked from: (1) RN4CAST-US nurse surveys; (2) Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) patient surveys; (3) surgical patient discharge abstracts; (4) Medicare Spending per Beneficiary (MSPB) reports; (5) American Hospital Association (AHA) Annual Survey. Hospitals were grouped according to their NP/beds ratios [<1 NP/100 beds (N=132), 1-2.99 NPs/100 beds (N=279), and 3+ NPs/100 beds (N=168)]. SUBJECTS: RNs randomly sampled nurses from licensure lists yielded 22,273 RNs in study hospitals; discharge data for 1.4 million surgical patients; HCAHPS data for 86% of study hospitals. MEASURES: Mortality, readmissions, lengths of stay, MSPB, patient experience, and quality reported by patients and nurses. RESULTS: After adjustments, patients in hospitals with 3+ NPs/100 beds had lower odds than patients in hospitals with <1 NP/100 beds of 30-day mortality [odds ratio (OR)2=0.76; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.67-0.82; P<0.001] and 7-day readmissions (OR2=0.90; 95% CI=0.86-0.96; P<0.001), shorter average length of stay (incident rate ratio2=0.92; 95% CI=0.88-0.96; P<0.001) and 5.4% lower average MSPB (95% CI=3.8%-7.1%). Patients and nurses in the hospitals with higher NP/bed ratios were significantly more likely to report better care quality and safety, and nurses reported lower burnout, higher job satisfaction, greater intentions of staying in their jobs. CONCLUSIONS: Having more NPs in hospitals has favorable effects on patients, staff nurse satisfaction, and efficiency. NPs add value to existing labor resources.

Moving beyond the measure: Understanding patients' experiences of communication with nurses.

Under Medicare's Value-Based Purchasing Program, scores derived from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey are used in the determination of incentive payments and financial penalties for healthcare organizations. Organizations, therefore, invest in approaches to improve the likelihood of positive patient responses. Evidence suggests that nurse communication as measured by HCAHPS influences overall patient satisfaction, yet little is known regarding what patients believe constitutes effective communication with nurses. In this qualitative descriptive study, we conducted phone interviews with 49 recently hospitalized patients to better understand patients' perceptions of their communication with nurses. Our findings indicate that patients perceived their communication with nurses to unfold via nurses' behaviors. Namely, nurses' engagement with patients, anticipation of patients' needs, responsiveness to patients' concerns, and teaching practices positively influence patient satisfaction with communication with nurses. These behaviors resonated most strongly with patients during particularly memorable moments of uncertainty and vulnerability over the course of a hospital stay. These findings suggest that focusing on the development of nurses' behaviors, ensuring processes are in place to support positive behaviors and creating organizational environments that position nurses to consistently apply these behaviors, can improve patients' perceptions of their communication with nurses. These findings also provide a foundation for further research focused on developing and testing specific behavioral interventions and their effect on communication perception.

The endocrine tumor summit 2008: appraising therapeutic approaches for acromegaly and carcinoid syndrome.

The Endocrine Tumor Summit convened in December 2008 to address 6 statements prepared by panel members that reflect important questions in the treatment of acromegaly and carcinoid syndrome. Data pertinent to each of the statements were identified through review of pertinent literature by one of the 9-member panel, enabling a critical evaluation of the statements and the evidence supporting or refuting them. Three statements addressed the validity of serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations as indicators or predictors of disease in acromegaly. Statements regarding the effects of preoperative somatostatin analog use on pituitary surgical outcomes, their effects on hormone and symptom control in carcinoid syndrome, and the efficacy of extended dosing intervals were reviewed. Panel opinions, based on the level of available scientific evidence, were polled. Finally, their views were compared with those of surveyed community-based endocrinologists and neurosurgeons.

A Multivariate Analysis of Pain and Distress in Adults Undergoing BMAB.

Clinicians routinely perform bone marrow aspiration and biopsy (BMAB) to diagnose cancer and evaluate disease status; however, few studies address pain and distress with BMAB. A prospective descriptive-correlational design examined patients' (N = 152) ratings of pain intensity (numeric rating scale, 0-10) and distress (distress thermometer) at baseline and 5 min and 1 hr postprocedure. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and linear regression models. Mean postprocedure pain intensity at 5 min was moderate, 5.56 (SD = 3.03), and opioid use was associated with decreased pain at 1 hr (p < .001). Preprocedure administration of anxiolytics had no significant effect on distress reduction (p = .88). Being female, first-time biopsy, and increased preprocedure pain were significant predictors of postprocedure distress (p < .001). Treating anxiety alone may not be sufficient to lessen pain and distress. Individualized plans of care should be based on patient risk and response to procedure.

Breast, colorectal and prostate cancer screening for cancer survivors and non-cancer patients in community practices.

BACKGROUND: Cancer survivors have cancer surveillance and preventive screening needs that require monitoring. Little is known regarding their patterns of care in community primary care practices. METHODS: Secondary analysis of 750 baseline patient surveys and medical record audits for patients ages 50+ years in 25 community-based primary care practices (N = 109 survivors and 641 noncancer patients). RESULTS: Patient self-reported screening rates for breast cancer (72%), colorectal cancer (81%) and prostate cancer (77%) were higher for cancer survivors compared to noncancer patients (69%, 67%, 53%, respectively). Screening rates documented in the primary care records were lower for all cancers. Cancer survivors were more likely than others to report having been screened for colorectal cancer (P = 0.002) even after excluding colorectal cancer survivors from the analysis (P = 0.034). Male cancer survivors were more likely to report being screened for prostate cancer than those without cancer (P < 0.001), even after excluding prostate cancer survivors (P = 0.020). There were no significant differences in either self-reported or medical record report of breast cancer screening rates among cancer survivors and noncancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer survivors were more likely to self-report receipt of cancer screening than noncancer patients. Medical record reports of cancer screening were lower than self-reports for cancer survivors and noncancer patients. Identifying factors that affect cancer screening among cancer survivors is important and has implications for intervention design.

Breast cancer survivors: information and support after treatment.

Women living with and beyond breast cancer have special health care needs. Persistent physical and psychological symptoms such as fatigue, pain, sleep disturbances, and fear of recurrence as well as quality-of-life outcomes have been described in women during and after breast cancer. Much less information exists on the experience of women completing treatment. This study describes the information and support needs of women following breast cancer treatment. A semistructured interview guide designed by the research team was used to gather data. Major findings indicate that women continue to experience a variety of physical and psychological symptoms and have concrete information and support needs following therapy, including the need for information on persistent treatment effects, emotional distress, and lifestyle changes. Findings illustrate that there is need to provide comprehensive information and support to help women transition from breast cancer therapy. Additional research is needed to optimize approaches to providing posttreatment care.

The role of low-molecular-weight heparins as supportive care therapy in cancer-associated thrombosis.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication of malignant disease, affecting approximately 1 in 200 cancer patients. Oncology nurses are instrumental in identifying patients with cancer at high risk of venous thromboembolism. Risk factors include: stage of disease, chemotherapy, the patient's degree of immobility, a history of recent surgery, and the presence of a central venous catheter. The treatment of venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer usually involves a sequential combination of unfractionated heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), followed by oral warfarin or LMWH. LMWHs are an alternative to warfarin for secondary prophylaxis and long-term treatment. LMWH is given by subcutaneous injection, does not require hospitalization for administration or routine laboratory monitoring. Recent clinical trial results have shown that LMWH use is associated with improved survival in cancer patients with relatively good prognoses. Patients receiving any anticoagulant therapy should be monitored for signs of pulmonary embolism or bleeding and intravenous sites (if present) should be monitored for oozing. Appropriate patient selection, a carefully constructed treatment plan, extensive patient education, and regular patient contact are integral elements for the nursing care of patients with cancer-associated thrombosis treated in the outpatient setting.

Therapeutic options for the treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: To provide oncology nurses with an understanding of therapeutic options for cancer-associated thrombosis, strategies to prevent recurrence, and practical issues in patient management. DATA SOURCES: Primary and tertiary literature and the author's clinical experience. CONCLUSION: Oncology nurses monitor patients throughout the care continuum for signs and symptoms indicating vascular thromboembolism and need to know the steps to take to expedite an accurate diagnosis and ensure prompt treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses must keep informed about the evolving evidence that leads to practice changes. They should be able to teach patients about therapeutic options and their potential for improving outcomes.

Complex patients and interprofessional relationships: Perceptions of primary care nurse practitioners and primary care physicians.

PURPOSE: The literature describing primary care nurse practitioners (PCNPs) and primary care physicians (PCPs) suggests that PCNPs provide care to patients with less complicated diagnoses than their PCP colleagues. However, other literature suggests the contrary. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how patients are assigned and cared for by primary care clinicians and how these clinicians relate to one another. Additionally we explore how PCNPs relate to physicians outside the practice. DATA SOURCES: Two nurse investigators conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with a nurse practitioner and a family medicine physician leader in each of 10 primary care practices. A content analysis was used to identify major themes. CONCLUSIONS: The participating PCNPs and PCPs have highly collaborative relationships. PCNPs often function independently, engage in reciprocal consultations with PCPs, and provide care to highly complex patients. In contrast to their relationships with practice colleagues, PCNP relationships with physicians outside the practice are disruptive. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: These findings indicate that PCNPs are well positioned to assume responsibility for a diversity of primary care patients, including those with complex diagnoses. To promote the more effective integration of PCNPs, interprofessional barriers must be addressed by healthcare organizations and policy experts.

Anemia in the oncology patient: cognitive function and cancer.

Cancer-related anemia often develops from the infiltration of marrow by malignant cells, impaired hemoglobin (Hb) production related to chemotherapy or radiation therapy, iron deficiency, or low endogenous erythropoietin levels. Patients with cancer-related anemia may experience cognitive dysfunction including decreased mental alertness, poor concentration, and memory problems. Anemia-mediated cerebral hypoxia may cause symptoms such as headache, vertigo, tinnitus, and dizziness. These symptoms often are exacerbated in the elderly patient with cancer and related to underlying low Hb concentrations. Restoring Hb levels via the administration of iron supplements, blood transfusions, or, more recently, erythropoiesis-stimulating therapy (epoetin alfa) results in significant improvement of cognitive function. The use of epoetin alfa as a treatment option for patients with chemotherapy-associated anemia and an Hb concentration less than 10 g/dL has been recommended by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology. Erythropoiesis-stimulating therapies are a promising treatment option for cancer-related anemia that may improve cognitive function and quality of life for patients with cancer.

Telephone calls postdischarge from hospital to home: a literature review.

The oncology population is particularly affected by hospital readmissions because hospitalized patients with cancer often have complex needs. The complexity and diversity of care requirements create substantial challenges in planning for appropriate postdischarge support. Implementing postdischarge telephone calls in the population of patients with cancer could offer a low-cost intervention to address the complex needs of patients during the transition from hospital to home. The goal of the current literature review is to provide an understanding about postdischarge telephone calls in patients with cancer. Findings from this review support the notion that discharge phone calls could improve care continuity for patients transitioning from hospital to home. The literature review outlines information related to telephone call content, timing, and structure for healthcare systems that want to use a postdischarge telephone intervention for patients with cancer. However, additional research is needed to develop and test cancer-specific protocols.

The experience of information sharing among primary care clinicians with cancer survivors and their oncologists.

PURPOSE OF STUDY: Knowledge about information sharing among primary care clinicians, oncologists, and their cancer patients is critical given its importance in facilitating the delivery of quality care to the increasing number of cancer survivors. The purpose of our study was to provide a better understanding of the nature of interactions among primary care clinicians, patients, and oncologists throughout the cancer care continuum to better understand the transition to survivorship. METHOD: Twenty-one qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 primary care physicians and 10 nurse practitioners. Themes were identified using content analysis. RESULTS: The following themes emerged from the data including: (1) a visit is worth a thousand written reports--primary care clinicians described the importance of patient visits during cancer treatment; (2) community vs. cancer center oncologists--primary care clinicians described differences in information sharing with community oncologists as compared with those in academic centers; (3) correcting for information deficits--primary care clinicians, unable to obtain regular progress reports directly from oncologists, developed indirect strategies to obtain information; (4) the deficiencies in post-treatment follow-up care plans; and (5) the panacea of electronic medical records and survivor care plans. CONCLUSIONS: The themes that emerged from this work describe in detail the absence of systematic information sharing among primary care clinicians, patients, and oncologists that is needed to support quality survivorship care in the primary care setting. The descriptions by primary care clinicians contribute to a deeper understanding of the daily challenges that both interfere and/or support primary care clinicians in their care of survivors of cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Managing the complex care of cancer survivors often requires the expertise of a number of skilled providers. Information sharing among these individuals is one of the most fundamental aspects of ensuring effective transitions in care. Our results indicate that systematic information sharing among providers caring for cancer survivors is lacking. Identifying strategies to enhance information sharing among and between providers is essential to facilitating the delivery of high-quality survivor care.

Putting evidence into practice: evidence-based interventions to prevent and manage anorexia.

Anorexia is defined as an involuntary loss of appetite.Approximately 50% of newly diagnosed patients with cancer experience the symptom, which often is accompanied by weight loss and most typically associated with advanced disease.Anorexia significantly affects the clinical course of cancer; it can lead to the development or exacerbation of disease- or treatment-related symptoms, decreased functional status, and diminished quality of life.As part of the Oncology Nursing Society's Putting Evidence Into Practice initiative, a team of oncology nurses examined and evaluated published research literature for the purpose of developing an evidence-based practice resource focused on the management of cancer-related anorexia.Even though anorexia is common among newly diagnosed patients and those with advanced disease, interventions to prevent, treat, and manage the symptom are limited.The evidence revealed that only two pharmacologic interventions, corticosteroids and progestins, can be recommended for use in clinical practice, and dietary counseling was identified as likely to be effective.This article summarizes selected empirical literature on interventions used to prevent and manage anorexia in patients with cancer.Familiarity with the literature will assist oncology nurses in proactively identifying and effectively managing patients experiencing this distressing symptom.

Clinical practice guideline use by oncology advanced practice nurses.

Understanding how clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are utilized and the effects of their implementation on outcomes is an important goal. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if oncology advanced practice nurse (APN) interventions provided to men with prostate cancer were consistent with Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research CPGs regarding pain [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (1993). Acute pain management in adults: Operative procedures. Quick reference guide for clinicians number 1a (AHCPR Publication No. 92-0019). Retrieved, February 23, 2002, from National Library of Medicine HSTAT Collection Online ], depressive symptoms [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (1993). Depression in primary care: Detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Quick reference guideline number 5 (AHCPR Publication No. 93-0552). Retrieved, February 23, 2002, from National Library of Medicine HSTAT Collection Online ], and urinary incontinence [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (1996). Managing acute and chronic urinary incontinence. Quick reference guide for clinicians number 2 (1996 update) (AHCPR Publication No. 96-0686). Retrieved, February 23, 2002, from National Library of Medicine HSTAT Collection Online ] and to evaluate if levels of consistency affected pain, depressive symptom, and incontinence outcomes. Mean levels of consistency between interventions and pain, incontinence guidelines, and depression were 91%, 80%, and 69%, respectively. Consistency did not predict outcomes in this sample. High levels of consistency suggest that oncology APNs are aware of practices outlined in CPGs.

Importance of nutritional screening in treatment of cancer-related weight loss.

Weight loss is common in patients with cancer. Many factors, such as physiological abnormalities, response to the tumour, and treatment, contribute to this weight loss. Cancer-related weight loss affects a patient's response to treatment, as well as survival and quality of life. Several nutritional screening and assessment tools have been developed for patients with cancer. This review describes the weight loss seen in patients with cancer as well as the methods of screening for nutritional deterioration and weight loss early in a cancer diagnosis. Nutritional approaches to the supportive care of patients with cancer are also discussed.

Advanced practice nursing outcomes: a review of selected empirical literature.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To review selected empirical literature examining outcomes of advanced practice nursing with a specific focus on the work of oncology advanced practice nurses (APNs). DATA SOURCES: Published articles (descriptive and data-based) and books. DATA SYNTHESIS: Well-designed, methodologically sound investigations offer clear and compelling evidence that APNs are effective in improving outcomes in diverse populations and settings. Data on outcomes of oncology APNs are more limited but do demonstrate statistically significant improvements in clinical outcomes in the homecare and ambulatory settings. The increase in oncology APNs and the evolution of viable roles for oncology APNs across cancer practice settings offer opportunities to further assess the outcomes of advanced practice nursing. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the effects of oncology advanced practice nursing on clinical, cost, and satisfaction outcomes is critical. These data will help to explain how APNs can be used most effectively in the healthcare system to ensure the delivery of quality cancer care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Assessing the outcomes of advanced practice nursing care has been identified as a priority by the Oncology Nursing Society. Expansion of APN roles in oncology creates myriad opportunities to investigate this issue. APNs should be cognizant of the work that has been done in this area and use this knowledge as a foundation from which to launch further investigations.