Oncology Nursing Society year 2004 research priorities survey.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) research priorities for 2005-2008 for oncology nursing across the entire scope of cancer care, including prevention, detection, treatment, survivorship, and palliative care.


METHODS
Descriptive, cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Stratified into two groups: random sample of general membership (N = 2,205; responses = 287, or 13%) and all ONS active members in the United States with doctoral degrees (N = 627, responses = 144, or 23%); overall response rate was 15%.


METHODS
The 2000 survey was revised and updated. Postcards were mailed to the original sample (N = 1,605) prior to the launch of the online survey, inviting participation via an online or paper-and-pencil survey. An e-mail announcement of the survey was launched one week later, followed by reminders the following week. Because of low response rates, a second sample (N = 600) was selected and contacted.


METHODS
117 topic questions divided into seven categories. Several items were new or reworded.


RESULTS
The top 20 research priorities included 12 of the top 20 items found in the 2000 survey; 8 topics were new to the top 20. Priority topics were distributed across six of seven categories. When general membership results were compared to the doctoral sample, 10 topics were among the top 20 for both groups. Nine topics were top priorities in the 2000 (researcher) and 2004 (doctorally prepared) surveys.


CONCLUSIONS
Response rates to the electronic survey were lower than for previous paper-and-pencil surveys, but an adequate response was obtained. Rank order of mean importance ratings was determined by narrow differences in scores. The general membership and doctorally prepared samples showed similarities as well as differences in results.


CONCLUSIONS
The 2004 survey results will inform the 2005 research agenda and assist the ONS Foundation and other funding organizations in distributing research funds.
Berger
Ann M
AM
College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA. aberger@unmc.edu
Berry
Donna L
DL
Christopher
Kimberly A
KA
Greene
Amanda L
AL
Maliski
Sally
S
Swenson
Karen K
KK
Mallory
Gail
G
Hoyt
Dan R
DR
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000639:trends*; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000639:trends*; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010166:Palliative Care; D012956:Societies, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*