Evaluating the Oncology Nurse Practitioner Role: Success or Failure? — ASN Events

Evaluating the Oncology Nurse Practitioner Role: Success or Failure? (#319)

Anne Booms 1
  1. Albury Wodonga Health, Albury, NSW, Australia

Introduction

Since the implementation of the Oncology Nurse Practitioner ( ONP) role in regional Australia 2 years ago, the integration of the ONP into the health care system has been challenging. The ONP explored the acceptance of the role and the experiences of oncology patients and health care providers in their collaboration with the ONP.

Objectives/ Aims

The aim of the study was to evaluate client and health professionals satisfaction of the ONP role in relation to education received, quality of care, understanding and acceptance of the role.

Methods

A health care staff and patient survey was conducted. The staff survey focussed on role implementation, acceptance of the role and future role development. The patient survey focussed on quality of care, information delivery and understanding of the ONP role.

Conclusion

This study revealed high satisfaction from patients accessing specialist care from the ONP and a good understanding of the ONP role. Health care staff surveys highlighted the need for ongoing education delivery by the ONP and high satisfaction in using the ONP as a resource person within the health care setting.