A quality improvement pilot to initiate treatment summaries and survivorship care plans in oncology services in South Australia (original) (raw)

2020, Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing

Aim: To review, test and refine standardised tools for nurses to initiate treatment summaries and care plans, and identify barriers and enablers to providing them. Background: This paper reports on a pilot study informed by the development of a Survivorship Framework in South Australia. Methods: Expression of interest was sought for adult medical oncology services to pilot standardised tools within existing services and resources. A quality improvement approach was used over three months with nurse practitioners and nurse practitioner candidates to obtain feedback, refine tools and resources, and identify barriers and enablers. Quantitative and qualitative data was recorded at each site using spreadsheets, at fortnightly meetings, and at a final debriefing. Content analysis was used to identify key themes in the context of barriers and enablers. Findings: Four medical oncology clinics in South Australia participated (three metropolitan, one regional). Forty-three consultations were delivered at three sites. Barriers included time to complete documentation, perceived knowledge and skills, reorientation of clinics and referral