Advanced Practice Nurses Research Articles

Supporting graduate students’ skills with simulated experiences in a professional foundation course

The population’s health depends on a well-educated nursing workforce that includes graduate-prepared nurses. However, the nation’s demand for graduate nurses in advanced practice, teaching, and research roles surpasses the supply. Graduate nursing educators can support student success by creating positive learning experiences for students at the beginning of their study programs. Initially, we created a pilot writing orientation, which was implemented for new students. Although the results of the pilot study showed significance with paired t-tests (p < .000; Cohen’s d = 1.21), the writing skills were not applied in long-term coursework. Therefore, a seven-week course was created to provide students with small-scale assignments, preparing them for complex future graduate coursework. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the skills learned in the course using student (n = 15) and faculty (n = 9) focus groups. A qualitative design using thematic analysis showed the following student themes: tools to improve scholarly writing, magnitude and feasibility of the project, graduate-level writing and professional presentations, clear expectations of achieving program requirements, and professional development using a digital e-portfolio. Faculty focus groups compared the skills of students who had completed the course and those who had not. Faculty themes included stronger writing skills despite the variation, resource availability, tool use, APA format skills, and writing synthesis skills development. Overall, the participants’ perspectives shared positive feedback with insightful suggestions for future course improvement.

Consultation infirmière en médecine légale : étude de faisabilité dans un hôpital d’Île-de-France

Difficulties encountered in care giving to assault survivors originate from the specific vulnerability of the persons themselves, their reluctance to disclose the assaults and the necessary coordination of caregivers, police and law enforcement authorities. We intended to increase nurses' involvement in care giving to assault survivors, so that quality of care would increase. The aim of the present study was to describe the characteristics of assaulted patients who were received by a nurse, and the follow-up to the consultations. Inclusion criteria were an age over 16 and a presentation in the department of forensic medicine following a sexual assault or Intimate partner violence without prior appointment. The consultation with the nurse allowed the characteristics of the situation of violence, traumatic injuries, the psychologic condition, needs of and requests by the patients to be recorded. A total of 134 persons (132 women) were included in an observational study (17/09/2016-17/03/2020). The nursing consultations dedicated to survivors of intimate partner violence or sexual assaults participate in increasing the quality of care. It might be part of advanced nursing practice in the future.

Designing an interoperable patient portal to augment an Advanced Nurse Practitioner service for Children with hydrocephalus

BackgroundChildren's Health Ireland (CHI), who govern and operate acute paediatric services for the greater Dublin area, are also the client for the new children's hospital project which will be Ireland's first fully digital hospital. Design, development and implementation of digital solutions has been prioritised by the National Strategy for Children's Nursing to transform and accelerate nurse-led services. AimThe aim of this phase of a larger study was to explore the perspectives and opinions of key stakeholders on the requirements, benefits, and challenges for a bespoke patient portal, with a specific focus on the ANP-led Neurosurgical Service and children and young people with hydrocephalus. MethodsInterviews and focus groups were held online, and data were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Twenty-three participants across eight sites were interviewed including parents, healthcare professionals, experts and management/administrators. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) framework. ResultsFour key findings and considerations were identified in relation to patient portals in general and their interoperability with Electronic Health Records, as well as a bespoke patient portal for children and young people with hydrocephalus ConclusionsThe availability of a patient portal for children and young people with hydrocephalus would be hugely advantageous to their parents, the ANP led nursing service, and healthcare professionals in both the neurosurgical service at CHI and at regional healthcare organisations as well as for administration, research, and reports. More timely access to health data as well as a consistent log of information and communications between patients and healthcare professionals, would be more efficient and effective than current practices.The augmented ANP-led Neurosurgical Nursing Service at CHI will act as a pilot project from which other nurse-led digital patient services can learn from. Study RegistrationThis study was conducted between September 2022 and June 2023. It was registered in Trinity College Dublin, Ireland Twitter AbstractA study exploring requirements, benefits, & challenges for an interoperable patient portal in an ANP led Service for children with hydrocephalus

Development and validation of a novel treatment adherence, satisfaction and knowledge questionnaire (TASK-Q) for adult patients with hypothalamic-pituitary disorders

PurposeSuccessful treatment outcomes of adults with hypothalamic-pituitary disorders necessitate the adoption of intricate self-management behaviors, yet current scales for evaluating treatment adherence and satisfaction are inadequate for this patient group. This research introduces a novel treatment adherence, satisfaction and knowledge questionnaire (TASK-Q) developed specifically to identify patients’ unmet needs in better assessing and managing these disorders.MethodsThe study was conducted in three phases: (1) generating items and testing content validity, (2) refining these items through a pilot study, and (3) a main study evaluating the psychometric properties of the TASK-Q scale among 262 adults in a Pituitary Nurse-led Clinic, with 152 (58%) patients completing the questionnaire.ResultsExploratory factor analysis was used to test the factor structure and construct validity of the TASK-Q, revealing a 22-item scale divided into Satisfaction and Knowledge (17 items) and Adherence (5 items) subscales, and exhibiting high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.90). Significant correlations were identified between satisfaction and knowledge (r = 0.67, p < 0.001), satisfaction and adherence (r = 0.23, p = 0.005), and knowledge and adherence (r = 0.43, p < 0.001). Complex treatment regimens, like daily growth hormone injections and adjusting glucocorticoids during illness, negatively affected adherence (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe TASK-Q is a novel validated scale that can effectively evaluate patients’ perspectives on adherence, knowledge and satisfaction. Our findings highlight the significant impact of Advanced Nurse Practitioners in improving patient self-management behaviors, which likely leads to better treatment outcomes for people with hypothalamic-pituitary disorders.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Increase Dysphagia Compliance in Stroke Patients.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to optimize conditions that increase dysphagia compliance after stroke-a measure recognized by The Joint Commission in designating institutions as primary or comprehensive stroke centers and by the American Heart Association that promotes stroke treatment adherence and bestows achievement and quality awards. Failure to meet stroke measures, including medication documentation, may produce poor patient outcomes that directly affect consumer confidence and choice of treatment facility. Stroke patient care requires multidisciplinary team collaboration to manage multiple factors; variations in practice create fallouts that need correction, the absence of which jeopardizes standards for maintaining stroke center designation. PURPOSE: Aims were to determine the nature of dysphagia fallouts in our quaternary academic teaching hospital, assess multidisciplinary workflows and barriers to success, and develop strategies to enhance dysphagia compliance. DESCRIPTION: We used a multidisciplinary approach using James Reason's Swiss cheese model to examine compliance. The clinical nurse specialist interviewed physicians, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), nurses, and informaticists to ascertain discipline-specific success barriers, targeting top issues for each discipline to develop solutions. Unit educators unified their dysphagia reduction strategies; physicians, pharmacists, and informaticists collaborated to clarify standardized medication route orders and to increase electronic health record swallow screen visibility to multidisciplinary users; and SLPs adjusted workflow and documentation. EVALUATION: Outcomes included reinforcing correct nursing charting, pharmacy oral-to-feeding tube conversion order revision, optimization of delivery and awareness of medication routes, electronic health record system enhancements, and SLPs aligning documentation with nursing medication administration. The multidisciplinary approach proved successful and increased dysphagia compliance by 9.6% ( P = .001). These outcomes contributed to a successful The Joint Commission survey, redesignation as a comprehensive stroke center, and American Heart Association Gold Plus achievement award.

Advanced practice nursing implementation in France: A mixed-method study.

To describe advanced practice nursing (APN) in the French healthcare landscape and to provide insights on how the role is defined and implemented and how the role is perceived by physicians. A mixed-method approach incorporating qualitative and quantitative data to offer a global understanding of APN implementation in France was used. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews with APNs and physicians in diverse healthcare settings in France. The questionnaire assessed the roles, relationships with physicians and patients and the perceived implementation success of APNs. In-depth interviews explored experiences, definitions, challenges and perspectives of APNs. A thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data to complete the quantitative exploration. Descriptive analyses were performed for quantitative data. A total of 41 APNs and 12 physicians were involved in this study between December 2022 and March 2023. The findings underscore APN as a pivotal, independent profession integrating advanced clinical expertise and interprofessional skills. The challenges encountered by APNs include role ambiguity, ongoing resistance and the need to address institutional barriers. Despite the fact that 73.2% of APNs reported that their role was well implemented, only 17.1% had clearly defined roles at the outset. This study revealed the dynamic and evolving nature of APN in France, highlighting its challenges and opportunities. Despite facing role ambiguity and resistance, APNs play a crucial role in the healthcare system. The results highlight the need for specific interventions to tackle challenges and facilitate successful integration of APN. These insights lay a foundation for future research and interventions aimed at boosting the impact and acceptance of APN in France, potentially influencing policy modifications and professional development. Problem Addressed: The study aimed to enhance comprehension of the implementation and role of advanced practice nursing (APN) in France. It focused on defining APN in the French context, identifying barriers and facilitators to its implementation and evaluating its impact. The study revealed that APN in France is evolving with expanded competencies and clinical autonomy, but faces challenges like role ambiguity and professional resistance. Key findings include the successful integration of APNs in healthcare settings, positive relationships with medical doctors and patient satisfaction. However, the study also highlighted the necessity to resolve role ambiguity and to improve the understanding and acceptance of APN roles among healthcare professionals for successful APN integration. Impact of the research: This research will primarily impact healthcare systems and policy-making in France, guiding the future development and integration of APN roles. It is also relevant for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses and physicians, by providing information about the evolving nature of APN and its benefits in patient care. Globally, the study contributes to the broader discourse on APN, offering insights that could inform APN implementation strategies in other countries facing similar healthcare challenges. COREQ-STROBE. No patient or public contribution.

Advanced practice nursing in the United States: benefits of competency-based education

In the first of a two-part look into advancing practice in the US, Carole Mackavey details the recent shift in US advance practice nursing towards competency-based education (CBE), and the advantages and competencies its has brought to their healthcare systems

A global perspective of advanced practice nursing research: A review of systematic reviews.

The World Health Organization (WHO) called for the expansion of all nursing roles, including advanced practice nurses (APNs), nurse practitioners (NPs) and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs). A clearer understanding of the impact of these roles will inform global priorities for advanced practice nursing education, research, and policy. To identify gaps in advanced practice nursing research globally. A review of systematic reviews was conducted. We searched CINAHL, Embase, Global Health, Healthstar, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, DARE, Joanna Briggs Institute EBP, and Web of Science from January 2011 onwards, with no restrictions on jurisdiction or language. Grey literature and hand searches of reference lists were undertaken. Review quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP). Study selection, data extraction and CASP assessments were done independently by two reviewers. We extracted study characteristics, country and outcome data. Data were summarized using narrative synthesis. We screened 5840 articles and retained 117 systematic reviews, representing 38 countries. Most CASP criteria were met. However, study selection by two reviewers was done inconsistently and language and geographical restrictions were applied. We found highly consistent evidence that APN, NP and CNS care was equal or superior to the comparator (e.g., physicians) for 29 indicator categories across a wide range of clinical settings, patient populations and acuity levels. Mixed findings were noted for quality of life, consultations, costs, emergency room visits, and health care service delivery where some studies favoured the control groups. No indicator consistently favoured the control group. There is emerging research related to Artificial Intelligence (AI). There is a large body of advanced practice nursing research globally, but several WHO regions are underrepresented. Identified research gaps include AI, interprofessional team functioning, workload, and patients and families as partners in healthcare. CRD42021278532.

Portrait of an IPA PSM specialising in suicide prevention

Suicide prevention is a major public health issue, both nationally and internationally. The management of suicidal patients leaving emergency departments is crucial to preventing the risk of suicidal recurrence. Advanced practice nurses in psychiatry and mental health can provide real added value thanks to their specialist training, their ability to carry out a comprehensive and detailed clinical assessment, their mastery of medicinal and non-medicinal therapeutic interventions, their skills in coordinating the various players involved in the care pathway, their commitment to prevention and their skills in supporting the development of the skills of care and research teams.

Informing the clinical reasoning of advanced practice students with nursing theories

This article examines the integration of a Clinical Nurse Reasoning (CNR) model into advanced nursing practice training to develop the clinical reasoning skills of advanced practice nurses. The article explores the contribution of Callista Roy's conceptual model of adaptation and presents a global analysis of a complex care situation that justifies the introduction of an CNR model paired with nursing knowledge to ensure comprehensive, quality nursing care.

Characteristics and Activities of Nurses in Expanded Roles Employed in Swiss Nursing Homes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

As the number of nursing home residents with multiple healthcare needs grows, the demand for nursing expertise increases. The implementation of new care models involving nurses with expanded roles is crucial for ensuring quality care in nursing homes. To investigate the characteristics and activities of nurses employed in nursing homes in expanded roles and the factors associated with variation in the activities performed. This multicentre cross-sectional survey in Switzerland collected data from a convenience sample of 118 nursing homes between September 2018 and October 2019. From a subsample of 62 nursing homes, we analysed the characteristics and activities of 104 nurses in expanded roles. Associations between the activities performed and the educational background of the nurses in expanded roles, their direct supervisors' positions and the presence of physicians in the nursing homes were examined. Most Registered Nurses in expanded roles were diploma educated (48%), with fewer having a bachelor's (35%) or master's degree (17%). Overall, direct clinical practice and guidance and coaching activities were conducted monthly to weekly; consultation, evidence-based practice, collaboration and ethical decision-making activities were conducted monthly. We saw variations where a higher educational background was associated with more frequent evidence-based practice activities (z = 3.47, p < 0.001), and if direct supervisors were ward managers, nurses in expanded roles worked more frequently below their scope of practice (z = 4.10, p < 0.001). This is the first study to use Hamric's integrative Advanced Practice Nursing model to examine the activities of nurses in expanded roles in nursing homes. We found considerable variation in their activities, where nursing homes seem to adapt their roles to their educational background and the local context. Our findings show the importance of clarifying role expectations for Registered Nurses in expanded roles, allowing them to practice at the top of the licence to meet residents' complex healthcare needs.

Advanced nurse practitioner well‐being: A 4‐year cohort mixed methods study

AbstractAimsTo examine changes in advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) well‐being, satisfaction and motivation over a four‐year period.DesignLongitudinal Cohort study.MethodsSurveys were carried out each year from 2019 to 2022 with the same cohort of ANPs in the United Kingdom (UK). The survey consisted of demographics, questions on contemporary issues in advanced practice, National Health Service (NHS) staff survey questions and validated questionnaires. A core set of questions were asked every year with some changes in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic.ResultsResponse rate ranged from 40% to 59% and appeared to be affected by COVID‐19. Staff satisfaction with pay and the well‐being score were stable throughout. Other questions on well‐being, job satisfaction and motivation saw statistically significant reductions after 4 years. Open‐ended questions about ongoing well‐being concerns show participants are concerned about exhaustion levels caused by workload, staffing issues, abuse from patients and colleagues' mental health.ConclusionThe findings highlight a decline in ANP well‐being, job satisfaction and motivation post‐COVID‐19. Reasons for this, explored in the qualitative data, show that ANPs have faced extremely difficult working conditions. Urgent action is required to prevent a workforce retention crisis as many nursing staff are close to retirement and may not be motivated to remain in post.ImpactThis study has followed ANPs through the most challenging years the NHS has ever seen. Job satisfaction, motivation and enjoyment of the job all significantly reduced over time. In many areas, the ANP role has been used to fill medical workforce gaps, and this will become harder to do if ANPs are dissatisfied, disaffected and struggling with stress and burnout. Addressing these issues should be a priority for policymakers and managers.Patient or public contributionNone as this study focussed on staff. Staff stakeholders involved in the design and conduct of the study.

Attitudes and Likelihood of Outpatient Cervical Ripening via Single Balloon Foley Catheter Among OB/GYN Providers, Nurse Practitioners, and Obstetric Labor &amp; Delivery Nurses

Introduction/Objectives: In certain parts of the United States and other developed nations, cervical ripening using the Foley catheter has already been introduced into the outpatient setting. An approved protocol exists at Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC), however usage is nonexistent. The primary aim of this study was to determine the current level of knowledge and familiarity regarding outpatient cervical ripening among OBGYN physicians and labor and advanced practice nurses at LUMC. The secondary aim of the study was to elucidate willingness to offer outpatient cervical ripening and potential reasons for support and hesitancy of this practice. Methods: We created an 8-question anonymous survey to elucidate the current level of knowledge regarding outpatient cervical ripening and potential reasons that a provider may have in support of and against outpatient cervical ripening. The survey was distributed among General OBGYN attendings, fellows, residents, labor and delivery (LD) and advanced practice (APN) nurses at LUMC. Descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test was performed on categorical data. An ordinal logistic regression model was used to compare the odds of being more likely to offer outpatient cervical ripening between attendings and resident physicians and the odds of being familiar with outpatient cervical ripening. Results: 45 obstetric care providers completed the survey (comprising 20 OB/GYN residents, 10 General OB/GYN attendings, 13 LD, and 2 APN nurses). The response rate was 72%. 73% of all respondents had some degree of familiarity with outpatient cervical ripening, while 84% were familiar with the current body of research on this practice. Overall, the willingness to offer outpatient cervical ripening was 55% for the group, with only 11% unwilling. There was no difference in the willingness to offer outpatient cervical ripening between attendings and resident physicians (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 0.32 – 4.88; p = .75) (Table 1). Major factors that drove willingness to offer were decreased induction to delivery time (77%) and patient convenience (85%). Major factors that drove unwillingness to offer OP cervical ripening were lack of fetal monitoring (66%), increased communication from patients (66%), and additional utilization of clinic resources/time for protocol implementation (66%). Resident physicians were significantly more likely to report familiarity with the current research on outpatient cervical ripening than nurses (OR=5.04; 95% CI: 1.24-20.45; p=.02) and attending physicians (OR=4.13; 95% CI: 1.05-17.78; p=.04). There was no difference in familiarity with research behind the practice between physicians and nurses respondents (p=.85). There was no association between those who reported the level of familiarity with the concept of outpatient cervical ripening and their willingness to offer (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 0.40 – 5.78; p = .54) (Table 2). Conclusions: Moving preinduction cervical ripening to an outpatient setting is equally efficacious and safe when compared to inpatient cervical ripening. However, despite having an existing protocol for cervical ripening using a Foley Balloon, this practice is not currently utilized at LUMC. Our survey suggests that though physicians and nurses are familiar with the concept and the research behind the practice, there are limiting factors for use. Further education regarding outpatient cervical ripening are essential for increasing practice adoption.

Professional experiences of spanish advanced practice nurses: qualitative research

BackgroundAdvanced practice nursing has emerged as a result of the evolution of healthcare systems, the changing needs of the population and the academic development of nursing, as well as sociodemographic and epidemiological changes. The aim of this study is to describe the professional experiences of Spanish advanced practice nurses in specific positions within the healthcare system in order to better understand the development and characteristics of this specialised nursing role.MethodsA descriptive qualitative study was conducted. Fourteen advanced practice nurses from healthcare centres participated. Semi-structured interviews were carried out. Braun and Clarke’s method for reflexive thematic analysis was followed. The Atlas. Ti version 22 program was used for technological support. The COREQ checklist was used to optimise the reporting of this qualitative study.ResultsFrom the analysis of the data collected, three themes and six subthemes were extracted: 1) Advanced practice nursing on the rise: (a) The driving forces in the development of advanced practice nursing, (b) Barriers to the development of advanced practice nursing; 2) Advanced practice nurses as a response to the population’s needs: (a) The development of a new professional nursing role, (b) The patient at the centre of care in advanced practice nursing; 3) Training as the foundation for advanced practice nursing: (a) Expert nurses in a specific context, (b) Differences in the level of training depending on the context.ConclusionAdvanced practice nurses have faced countless barriers and difficulties that have impeded them from demonstrating their importance and effectiveness within the healthcare system. A stable regulatory framework for the functions of advanced practice nurses is required to promote care, training and research in the field of advanced practice nursing. Health institutions need to promote the role of advanced practice nurses, facilitate the employment of new professionals, and establish new areas of practice.Trial registrationNot applicable.

Strategies for knowledge mobilization by advanced practice nurses in three hospitals in Spain: a qualitative study

BackgroundEvidence-based practice, in conjunction with optimum care quality, improves patients’ clinical outcomes. However, its implementation in daily clinical practice continues to present difficulties. The aim of this study was to identify the strategies applied by Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) to foster adherence to clinical practice guideline recommendations.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative study was conducted with six focus groups at three public hospitals belonging to the Balearic Islands Health Care Service (Spain). The study participants were 32 ward nurses and 5 advanced practice nurses working routinely with inpatients at these hospitals. The study was conducted from November 2020 to January 2021, using thematic analysis, based on the COREQ checklist.ResultsFour major themes related to the facilitation process were identified either by RNs and APNs: the context of the project, APN contribution to nursing team management, healthcare provision on the ward, and the acquisition and application of knowledge.ConclusionsThe APNs adapted their actions to the characteristics and needs of the local context, employing strategies aimed at improving teamwork, healthcare, and knowledge management. Each of these contributions enhanced the sustainability of the changes made.

Perceptions of families and healthcare providers about feeding preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit: protocol for a qualitative systematic review

IntroductionThe underdevelopment of preterm infants can lead to delayed progression through key early milestones. Demonstration of safe oral feeding skills, constituting proper suck-swallow reflex are requirements for discharge from the...

NURS-09. FERTILITY PRESERVATION AND PALLIATIVE CARE: RECOGNIZING THE NURSING ROLE IN THE PROMPT IMPLEMENTATION OF SUPPORTIVE CARE INTERVENTIONS IN THE PEDIATRIC CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM TUMOR PATIENT POPULATION

Abstract BACKGROUND Given the complexity of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors, an interdisciplinary approach is necessary to incorporate supportive care interventions that complement oncologic treatment plans. However, early implementation of both palliative care and fertility preservation services presents challenges within the pediatric neuro-oncology population. METHODS An extensive literature review was conducted for articles published between 2013-2023 using PubMed, Google Scholar, and CINAHL databases. The articles focused on nurses’ roles in pediatric oncology, palliative care, fertility preservation, and barriers to supportive care. Furthermore, the review incorporated collective knowledge sharing among pediatric neuro-oncology nursing specialists. This joint initiative applied evidence-based practices to showcase the successful implementation of palliative care and fertility preservation services, broadening this project’s scope. RESULTS One prevalent theme that emerged highlighted the delay in supportive care referrals attributed to perceived obstacles by healthcare team members. The misconception that palliative care is solely for end-of-life situations or the assumption that families are not ready to acknowledge an incurable diagnosis causes delays in palliative care referrals. Fertility preservation in pediatric oncology encounters obstacles, including the urgency to commence treatment, determining optimal candidate criteria, and navigating discussions with younger patients. Nurses are uniquely positioned in their role to bridge gaps between oncologic treatment interventions and the incorporation of supportive care measures. Recognizing the supportive care needs of patients, nurses can educate families, advocate for early referrals, and coordinate integrative care. Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) can offer clinical consultation, and order appropriate screening, testing, medications, and referrals. CONCLUSION Disseminating nursing education across pediatric oncology practices and institutions is essential for identifying perceived barriers and reforming the early supportive care intervention process. This collaborative and proactive approach is designed to optimize the overall care experience, with the goal of enhancing the delivery of supportive care for pediatric neuro-oncology patients.

NURS-15. THE ROLE OF THE ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDER AND NURSES IN CLINICAL TRIALS

Abstract BACKGROUND For many years clinical trials fell under the umbrella of medicine without much acknowledgement to the role of the nurse, both as advanced practice provider (APP) and staff nurse. Oncology continues to rank as one of the highest subspecialties when it comes to availability and participation in clinical trials. There remain multiple barriers to involvement including availability, lack of education, and medical mistrust. The specialized role and skill set of the APP and RN as part of the clinical trial team is important in overcoming these barriers. METHODS We distributed a survey to members of the Advanced Practice Provider and Nurse Investigator Committee (APPNIC), a group within the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (PNOC), in order to identify themes, barriers to care, and opportunities for both the APP and RN within clinical trials. The use of a survey and interviews within our APPNIC cohort allowed us to collaborate on the nursing role, prioritize care in new and amended trials, and share unanticipated adverse effects and effective management. RESULTS APPs are actively involved with clinical trial enrollment, performance of diagnostic exams and procedures, education, and early recognition/management of adverse effects. There is also a growing theme of the APP as sub-investigator which provides value in facilitating consent, impacting accrual, determining eligibility, managing anticipated side effects. The role of the staff nurse in clinical trials is found to be vital in providing consistent communication/support, educating patients and families, and alleviating adherence and medical mistrust. CONCLUSION The APP and nurse have a specialized, relevant skill set, which when included as part of the multi-disciplinary team, has the ability to decrease barriers and increase overall delivery and safety of clinical trials. Our goal is to outline specific roles we feel should be standardized in the international arena for nursing involvement within clinical trials.

Palliative Care in the Intensive Care Unit: The Standard of Care

Intensive care unit–based palliative care has evolved over the past 30 years due to the efforts of clinicians, researchers, and advocates for patient-centered care. Although all critically ill patients inherently have palliative care needs, the path was not linear but rather filled with the challenges of blending the intensive care unit goals of aggressive treatment and cure with the palliative care goals of symptom management and quality of life. Today, palliative care is considered an essential component of high-quality critical care and a core competency of all critical care nurses, advanced practice nurses, and other intensive care unit clinicians. This article provides an overview of the current state of intensive care unit–based palliative care, examines how the barriers to such care have shifted, reviews primary and specialist palliative care, addresses the impact of COVID-19, and presents resources to help nurses and intensive care unit teams achieve optimal outcomes.

Advanced practice nurses’ experiences of patient safety: a focus group study

Background: Patient harm from unsafe care is an increasingly global phenomenon leading to death or disability. Drawing on their expertise, Advanced Practice Nurses provide the opportunity to improve care quality and safety. Aim: To explore Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Consultants’ experiences in patient safety. Design: A qualitative design was used involving six audio-visually recorded focus group interviews. Participants working in an acute or community adult nursing speciality were involved. Methods: Twenty-eight Advanced Practice Nurses (female 82.1%, mean age 47.5 ± 10 years) were recruited by convenience and snowball sampling. After transcription of interview data, qualitative content analysis was conducted. Results: Six categories were identified: patient safety as the highest priority (1), special contribution to patient safety (2), patients/relatives role in safety (3), multidisciplinary team approach (4), government regulation in safety (5), and further needs to improve safety (6). Advanced Practice Nurses saw themselves as role models and leaders for other healthcare staff through their expertise and professional experience and thus able to see the bigger picture in health. They identified as change agents at the system-level due to their decision-making ability and multi-professional team connectivity. Conclusions: This study emphasises the key position of extended nursing roles and the need for future development of patient safety strategies in hospitals and community care. As influential leaders, Advanced Practice Nurses are best placed to identify improvements. They play a central role in guiding the multi-professional team, the patient and their family, educating nursing staff, and identifying and addressing system-wide safety gaps to improve patient safety.