Introduction
In Australia, it has been recognised that the Nurse Practitioner Role offers feasible and cost effective alternatives in the redesign of health care delivery. To improve outcomes for Oncology patients across all health settings, it is paramount for the Oncology Nurse Practitioner (ONP) to have formal collaboration and partnerships with other health care providers.
Objectives/Aims
This study focussed around identified gaps from Oncologists, GPs, and supportive care staff perspectives. Collaborative agreement with internal and external partners and other health service providers determined the ONP model and Scope of Practice within rural/regional Victoria and Southern Regional New South Wales with the primary aim to improve Oncology patient outcomes.
Methods
A mixed method design- Gap analysis and Literature Review- was employed by the Oncology Nurse
Practitioner; to undertake a needs analysis in the development of the ONP Scope of Practice.
Conclusion
The ONP model reflects a key strategic objective: Promoting access to Quality Specialist Supportive Care for Regional Oncology Patients resulting in improved patient and health service outcomes.
Results
According to the ONP Key Performance Indicators, the introduction of the ONP role is associated with an increase in patient initiated phone calls for additional support, a reduction in waiting times in ED, increased follow up on chemotherapy related side effects and increased patient satisfaction towards cancer care delivery