An exploratory model of advance care planning clinical training for oncology nurses: A constructivist grounded theory study

Abstract

AimThe purpose of this study was to explore and construct the ACP clinical training model for oncology nurses to provide the theoretical references for nursing educators to develop ACP clinical training program for oncology nurses. BackgroundOncology nurses are the primary forces of advance care planning (ACP) clinical practice. However, the systematic ACP clinical training for clinical nurses, especially oncology nurses, is still not visible in mainland China. DesignA constructivist grounded theory study. SettingsThis study included participants from three tertiary hospitals in northeastern China. ParticipantsA total of 23 oncology nurses who directly care for cancer patients. MethodsA constructivist grounded theory approach was adopted to explore the ACP clinical training model for oncology nurses. Semi-structured interviews were completed to collect qualitative data for constructing the theoretical model. A three-level coding procedure with continuous comparisons was adopted to analyze the qualitative data. ResultsAs a result of the study, a total of 32 open coding categories and 13 axial coding categories were extracted and four selective coding categories were formed, namely, external driving forces, self-development, training needs and training key elements. Based on the above categories, the demand-driven ACP clinical training model for oncology nurses was finally developed. ConclusionsOncology nurses have a strong desire for ACP clinical training and their ACP training needs are diverse. The ACP clinical training model provide the theoretical references for nursing educators to develop ACP clinical training programs for oncology nurses to promote high-quality ACP clinical practice.