The role of an outreach oncology nurse practitioner: a case study evaluation.
Nurses have an extensive input into the care of cancer patients both in hospital and in the community and are central to the current movement to improve and streamline cancer services. Internationally there has been a move to employ highly skilled nurse practitioners in cancer care. This paper describes a single case study evaluating the role and work of an Oncology Nurse Practitioner (ONP). Multiple sources of data were used. Stage One involved collecting descriptive information about the post holder, her role and the types of patients cared for. Stage Two used a qualitative approach to explore how the post was established, its key features, its perceived advantages and disadvantages and the factors influencing its success. Findings show that all participants viewed the post positively and that such nurses can provide high-quality services in remote rural areas. The study found that to be successful the post holder needs appropriate personal attributes such as flexibility and communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. The limitations of this study and the implications for the further development of nursing roles in oncology are discussed.
School of Nursing, University of Ulster, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim Jordanstown, BT37 OQB, Ireland. hp.mckenna@ulster.ac.uk
Hugh
H
McKenna
Siobhan
S
McCann
Eilis
E
McCaughan
Sinead
S
Keeney
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*; D009660:Northern Ireland; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009738:Nursing Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis