GRAN-ONCO: “German Research Agenda for Nursing Oncology” – Development of a nursing research agenda of oncology nursing in Germany

Abstract

Background: The establishment of research priorities and bundling in an agenda is an instrument to systematize the multitude of nursing research topics. In contrast to other countries, there is currently no oncological nursing research agenda in Germany. Aim: Development of a research agenda for oncological nursing as part of a discursive process, taking into account different perspectives of the groups of people involved in oncological nursing. Method: Within the framework of a mixed methods design, oncological research topics were identified on the basis of a systematic literature review and prioritized and completed by nurses in oncological nursing practice and research through a survey using a standardized online questionnaire as well as qualitative expert groups. Results: The synthesis of the literature included 29 publications from which 55 topics were extracted. Based on the results of the survey, 23 topics were identified as priorities. According to the result of the survey and the feedback of the experts (n = 15), special attention should be paid to the following topics in the future: disease and therapy-related effects and the associated needs and changes. At the same time, communication, information, counseling, and education as well as the question of quality of life and care at the end of life due to the disease should be prioritized for nursing research. Conclusion:For the first time, a research agenda for oncological nursing is available for Germany. It is an important step in professionalization and thus offers orientation for the scientific further development of oncological nursing.