Development of a Comprehensive Model for Cancer Symptom Care for Women With Ovarian or Endometrial Cancer

Abstract

Background: Women with ovarian or endometrial cancer experience multiple symptoms during chemotherapy. Specialized cancer nurses possess specific knowledge and competencies to effectively monitor and manage treatment-related toxicities and provide self-management support. Objective: To describe the conception and development of a comprehensive cancer symptom model of care in an oncological setting for women diagnosed with ovarian or endometrial cancer. Methods: The participatory evidence-based, patient-focused process for guiding the development, implementation, and evaluation of advanced practice nursing roles—the participatory, evidence-based, patient-centered process for advanced practice (PEPPA) framework directed the process. The first 6 steps of this 9-step framework were utilized to incorporate research evidence, engage, and obtain the input of key stakeholders. Results: Stakeholders (n = 27) contributed with specific knowledge, perspectives, and feedback to the entire development process, and several needs were identified. Following structured discussions, a new model of cancer symptom care with elements such as symptom management, electronic patient-reported outcomes, and an expanded nursing role in the form of nurse-led consultations was developed. Conclusions: We effectively utilized the PEPPA framework to design a new cancer symptom model of care, that was agreed upon by key stakeholders. Implications for Practice: This stakeholder-engaged, and evidence-driven process could be used as a template for others wanting to develop a population-specific model of care to improve cancer symptom management. What is Foundational: With the expansion of the cancer nursing role, the new model has the potential to improve the quality of cancer care and health outcomes related to symptom management.