Setting a Patient-Driven Agenda for Cancer Research Priorities in Geriatric Oncology: A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore older adults' perceptions of priorities for research in cancer and hematological malignancies and proposes an agenda of patient-driven priorities for cancer care research in the field of geriatric oncology. DATA SOURCES: Sixteen older adults (≥65 years) living with or after a diagnosis of cancer participated in a descriptive qualitative study. Participants were purposively recruited via a regional cancer center and cancer advocacy organizations. Semistructured telephone interviews explored participants' experiences of cancer and perceptions of priorities for future cancer-related research. CONCLUSION: Participants reported positive experiences of cancer care. However, positive and negative experiences of information, symptoms, and support both within and beyond the hospital setting were highlighted. Forty-two research priorities in six thematic areas were identified: 1) recognition of the signs and symptoms of cancer; 2) research about cancer treatment; 3) assessment and management of comorbidities; 4) unmet needs of older adults living with and after cancer; 5) impact of COVID-19; and 6) impact on caregivers and family members of people living with and after cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The results of this study provide a basis for future priority-setting activities that are culturally and contextually sensitive to health care systems, resources, and needs of older adults living with and after cancer. Based on the findings of this study, we make recommendations for the development of interventions that can build awareness, capacity, and competence in geriatric oncology among cancer care professionals and consideration of the diverse needs of older adults in the development of interventions to address unmet information and supportive care needs.

The Evolving Role of Haematology Nursing Practice: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background And Objectives: The scope of haematology nursing practice is dynamic and must respond to advances in treatment, patients' needs and service requirements. Little is known, however, about the different roles of haematology nurses across the European setting. The purpose of this study was to identify the professional practices of haematology nurses. Method: A cross-sectional online survey design was used to investigate practice elements undertaken by haematology nurses. Frequencies and descriptive statistics were calculated for demographic variables and chi-square tests to examine relationships between practice elements, nursing role and country. Results: Data is reported from 233 nurses across 19 countries, working as Staff Nurses (52.4%), senior nurses (12.9%) and Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) (34.8%). Most frequently reported activities included medication administration - oral/ intravenous (90.0%), monoclonal antibodies (83.8%), chemotherapy (80.6%), and blood components (81.4%). APNs were more commonly involved in nurse-led clinics and prescribing activities (p < .001, p = .001, respectively); however, other nursing groups also reported performing extended practice activities. Patient and carer education was a significant part of all nurses' roles; however, senior nurses and APNs were more often involved with the multidisciplinary team (p < .001) and managerial responsibilities (p < .001). Nurses' involvement in research was limited (36.3%) and frequently reported as an out-of-work hours activity. Conclusions: This study describes haematology nursing care activities performed in various contexts and within different nursing roles. It provides further evidence of nursing activity and may contribute to a core skills framework for haematology nurses.

"I'm not being serviced; I'm being cared for": A mixed methods study of patients' and nurses' perceptions of community oncology nursing delivered by a Community Intervention Team.

PURPOSE: Many patients do not have access to community oncology nursing care in a primary setting and are completely reliant on tertiary hospital care. The aim of this study is to gain an understanding of oncology patients' and nurses' perceptions of community oncology nursing, delivered by an urban Community Intervention Team (CIT) in Ireland. METHODS: A descriptive, concurrent mixed methods approach was used which included semi-structured interviews with 14 oncology patients and an online survey of 27 hospital and community nurses. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Six broad themes captured patients' views. Right care related to patients' satisfaction with the range of care available. Right place reflected positive views of the physical setting and the option for homecare for those that needed it. Right time represented patients' comments about the increased appointment efficiency, flexibility, and availability of the service out-of-hours, compared to hospital-based care. Right people was based on patients' portrayals of community cancer nurses as professional, confident, friendly, reassuring and relatable. Integration and communication reflected the communication between the services and patients' impressions of how the services were integrated together. The last theme was improvements to the CIT service. Hospital nurses reported satisfaction with the CIT service while CIT nurses responses suggest the need for better communication with hospital partners. CONCLUSION: Patients had positive perceptions of the service provided by the CIT. Both hospital and community cancer nurses were satisfied with the service and reported that they would like to see an expansion of community oncology nursing services delivered by the CIT.

The effectiveness of the lecturer practitioner role in clinical practice: an Irish perspective.

BACKGROUND: Demands within academia such as teaching, publishing, research activity and generating grant income can make it difficult for nurse educators to protect time for clinical practice. In an effort to overcome this problem lecturer practitioner posts have been introduced with designated responsibilities in both clinical and educational settings. METHODS: Using a mixed method descriptive methodology student nurses and registered nurses completed a modified questionnaire to examine the impact of lecturer practitioners (LPs) in clinical practice. Focus groups were also conducted with lecturer practitioners themselves. RESULTS: The results identified that by having a clinical remit, LPs forged good relationships with student nurses and registered nurses in clinical practice, who considered the LP as being a learning resource with realistic expectations of the clinical environment. DISCUSSION: The results provide further evidence to support the continuation of nurse educators in clinical practice for their own development, their students and registered nurses.