Practical innovation: Advanced practice nurses in cancer care

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to gather emerging practice evidence, through consultation with Advance Practice Nurses (APN), to fill the evidence gaps in the published guidelines, Effective Use of Advanced Practice Nurses in the Delivery of Adult Cancer Services in Ontario, and to provide a set of expert panel recommendations to build a research agenda to promote the collection and publication of Level 1 and 2 evidence.   Method: A three-step RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Methodology (RAM) modified Delphi process was used to solicit expert opinion on the use of APNs in adult cancer care in Ontario.   Results: Thirty-four (34) case examples of APN use were gathered. The modified Delphi process concluded with the endorsement of 30 APN role statements that were used to develop nine (9) additional recommendations regarding the use of APNs in the delivery of adult cancer care.   Conclusion : The recommendations from this study provide direction for future research to close the current evidence gap regarding the role of APNs in cancer care delivery in Canada.