CN14 - Experiences from a new advanced cancer nursing role in Sweden: An analysis based on EONS Cancer nursing education framework using the Delphi method

Abstract

Background: A new advanced nursing role - Coordinating contact nurse (CCN) were implemented as a pilot in 2015, aiming to improve care transitions, collaboration and communication between different teams, as well as strengthening the nurses and clinicians in the whole team. The CCNs has a regional role over one patient trajectory within the Stockholm-Gotland region. When interviewing patients at start of the project, many patients wished for more support regarding coordination and felt they had to be responsible themselves for important clinical information exchange. Collaboration and communication between the teams within the acute hospitaĺs different disciplines, as well as acute and palliative care (PC) were sub-optimal, and it affected for example emergency admissions from PC to acute care. A baseline survey was performed before implementation of the CCN project. It showed that some of the supportive care resources were accessible for only half of the patients. Methods: Experiences from this new role are currently analyzed, based on the 8 modules included in EONS Cancer Nursing Education Framework. Data is analyzed using the Delphi process including different groups of staff and patient representatives. Results: Preliminary results show that the CCN role cover all 8 modules in the framework and indicate that the CCN role fulfill the criteria described for advanced cancer nursing roles. The practice competencies have been useful both in recognizing what cancer nurses do, and highlights areas in need of development. Conclusions: Patient-reported evaluation of the CCN role is needed and ongoing. Preliminary data shows significant improvement in areas such as perceived information about self-care and access to supportive care. This new advanced cancer nursing role could contribute to improved experiences and outcome for cancer patients. If formally established, the CCN role could be an important clinical career opportunity for Swedish cancer nurses. Legal entity responsible for the study: Helena Ullgren, Regional Cancer Centre Stockholm Gotland, Sweden. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure: The author has declared no conflicts of interest.