What does the nurse practitioner mean to you? A patient-oriented qualitative study in oncological/palliative care

Constructing a Competency Evaluation Index System for Nursing Positions in a Chronic Kidney Disease Management Centre

Objective

The Chronic Kidney Disease Management Centre (CKDMC) primarily focuses on developing a new system for early screening, standardised diagnosis, treatment, and the long-term follow-up management of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to enhance CKD prevention and management. Nurses play a pivotal role in the comprehensive management of CKD, contributing considerably to the improvement of patient survival. Consequently, this study constructs an evaluation index system for nursing positions in the CKDMC, delineating the required competencies of nurses and providing a foundation for their targeted training.

Methods

A literature review and semi-structured interviews were used to develop the competency evaluation index system for nursing positions at the CKDMC. The Delphi method, involving expert correspondence, was employed over two rounds of inquiry with 16 experts, focusing on screening, modifying, and refining the indicators at all levels.

Results

The response rates for the first and second rounds of the questionnaire were 100% and 93.8%, respectively, with expert authority coefficients of 0.73 for both rounds. The finalised competency evaluation index system includes 3 primary indicators (theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional attitude), 10 secondary indicators, and 44 tertiary indicators.

Conclusion

The study successfully established a CKD specialist nurse competency evaluation index system comprising 3 primary, 10 secondary, and 44 tertiary indicators. The consensus among experts was high, rendering the results scientific, objective, and reliable. This system can serve as a basis for the training, selection, and competency evaluation of nursing professionals in CKDMCs.

Investigating the relationship between individualized care, patient satisfaction and trust in nurses through structural equation modelling

INTRODUCTIONS

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the impact of individualized nursing care on patient satisfaction and trust in nurses through structural equation modelling in patients receiving treatment in internal clinics.

METHODS

The study is a descriptive, exploratory and cross-sectional research conducted with patients receiving treatment in the internal admission services of an educational research hospital between January and April 2023. According to sample calculations, it was determined that a minimum of 238 patients needed to be included in the study, and 286 patients who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the research formed the study sample. Data were collected using the 'Patient Identification Form', 'Individualized Care Scale-Patient Version', 'Newcastle Nursing Care Satisfaction Scale' and the 'Trust in Nurses Scale'.

RESULTS

The level of awareness of nursing actions supporting individuality was found to be 2.71 ± 0.99, the level of perceiving individuality was 2.88 ± 0.99, the average level of nursing care satisfaction measured 77.17 ± 12.67 and the average level of trust in nurses was 21.92 ± 3.04. It was determined that as patients' awareness of nursing actions supporting individuality and their perception of individuality in care increased, they remained more satisfied with their care and had greater trust in nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who perceived receiving individualized care were found to have higher levels of patient satisfaction and trust in nurses. Additionally, it was observed that as participants' satisfaction with their care increased, their trust in nurses also increased.

Evaluating a nurse-led narrative interview intervention with cancer patients with a first diagnosis: A feasibility study

Narrative Medicine and Nursing are clinical-supporting intervention methodologies that aim to enhance professionals' communication skills and place patients at the heart of their therapeutic path. A narrative interview (NI) is a communication tool between practitioner and patient. The role of NI is debated extensively in the literature, but no studies focus on its use by nurses responsible for first-diagnosed cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and utility of NI, carried out by Nurses, in managing people recently diagnosed with cancer. A pilot mixed-methods study with before-and-after-intervention evaluation, qualitative longitudinal data analysis, and concurrent data triangulation was conducted. The Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer assessed disease adaptation, while the Psychological Distress Inventory investigated psychological distress. The qualitative analysis of the narrative interviews assessed the usefulness of this intervention. 13 out of 14 eligible patients took voluntary part in the study. Of those, 9 (69 %) completed T1 and T2 questionnaires and NI. The following five themes emerged from thematic analysis: reaction to the disease, feelings related to the new condition of life, changes, importance of relationships and perception of care. Patients reported being highly stressed and recognized the importance of a supporting social network for better coping with the condition. The adoption of an NI approach at the time of cancer diagnosis is feasible. Due to the limited sample size, it is unclear if NI may positively impact psychological distress in this patient population. Further studies would benefit from the integration of an additional investigation tool aiming to clarify whether NI promotes disease awareness in cancer patients. Furthermore, the recruitment of a larger sample is equally recommended.

The Nurse Practitioner Role in Complex Malignant Hematology: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

OBJECTIVES

Internationally, there is limited evidence about the role and impact of nurse practitioners (NPs) in complex malignant hematology (CMH). In one Canadian CMH program, NPs have existed for 20 years but not been evaluated. This study aimed to understand stakeholder perceptions of CMH NP role structures, processes, and outcomes and the extent to which the role meets patient and health service needs.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted, guided by the PEPPA-Plus framework. Purposive sampling was used to recruit stakeholders who participated in focus groups and interviews. Content analysis was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Participants included patients (n = 8) and healthcare professionals (n = 27). Themes about structures related to evolution of the CMH Program, model of care, and need for strategic vision. Process themes related to provision of accessible, comprehensive, and holistic care and NP workload. Positive and negative outcomes and lack of outcome measurement were identified.

CONCLUSION

Structures related to patient and NP characteristics, organizational change, staffing, and how NP work is organized impacts on NP role implementation and outcomes. Organizational structures can be strengthened to improve the model of care and NP role implementation and workload. Value-added NP contributions related to providing comprehensive care with attention to safety and social determinants of health. Research is needed to evaluate NP role outcomes in CMH.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The results can inform role design and organization policies and strategies to promote the recruitment, retention, and optimization of NP roles in CMH settings. Priorities for future research are also identified.

Advanced Practice Nursing Titles and Roles in Cancer Care: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVES

Advanced practice nursing roles in cancer care are diverse and exist across the cancer care continuum. However, the titles used and the scope of practice differ across countries. This diversity is likely to be misleading to patients and influence nurses' contribution to health care. An understanding of the current state of advanced practice nursing roles in cancer care internationally is needed to inform opportunities for future role development and enhance cancer nursing career pathways.

METHODS

This scoping review included a systematic search of four databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Academic Search Complete. Independent screening for papers meeting the review's inclusion criteria was undertaken using online screening software. Data extraction, coding, and mapping were undertaken in NVivo 12.

RESULTS

Of the 13,409 records identified, 108 met the review's inclusion criteria. A variety of roles in cancer care settings were described. The United States and the United Kingdom had the most titles for advanced practice nursing roles. Tumor-specific roles were described and integrated into different phases of the cancer care continuum. Trends in continuing professional development for advanced practice nurses in cancer care included the rise in Fellowship programs in the United States and practice-based education in the United Kingdom.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences in advanced practice nursing roles in cancer care allow regional and institutional variation to meet the needs of patient populations and health care system demands. However, a lack of clarity surrounding titles and roles results in confusion and underutilization of these nurses' highly specialized skill sets.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Incongruence in titles and scope of practice internationally will ultimately result in a merging of roles. There is a need for international agreement on education requirements for advanced practice nursing roles to promote career pathways.

Patient perceived quality of cirrhosis care- adjunctive nurse-based care versus standard medical care: a pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled study

BACKGROUND

Cirrhosis treatment implies prevention and alleviation of serious disease events. Healthcare providers may, however, fail to meet patients' expectations of collaboration and specific needs of information and support. Individualised nursing care could meet patients' needs. The aim was thus to measure patient-perceived quality of care after adjunctive registered nurse-based intervention Quality Liver Nursing Care Model (QLiNCaM) compared with standard medical care.

METHODS

This pragmatic multicentre study consecutively randomised patients to either adjunctive registered nurse-based care, or standard medical care for 24 months (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02957253). Patients were allocated to either group at an equal ratio, at six Swedish outpatient clinics during 2016-2022. Using the questionnaire 'Quality of care from the patient's perspective', patients rated their perceived lack of quality for the adjunctive registered nurse-based intervention compared with the control group at 12 and 24 months, respectively.

RESULTS

In total, 167 patients were recruited. Seven out of 22 items in the questionnaire supported the finding that 'lacking quality' decreased with adjunctive registered nurse-based care (p < 0.05) at 12 months follow-up; however, these differences could not be established at 24 months.

CONCLUSION

Additional structured registered nurse-based visits in the cirrhosis outpatient team provided support for improved patient-perceived quality of care during the first 12 months. Registered nurses increase patient involvement and present easy access to cirrhosis outpatient care. Patients express appreciation for personalised information. This study reinforces registered nurses' role in the outpatient cirrhosis team, optimising patient care in compensated and decompensated cirrhosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered at Clinical Trials 18th of October 2016, [ https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov ], registration number: NCT02957253.

Cultural adaptation and validation of the caring behaviors assessment tool into Spanish

BACKGROUND

The aim of the research was to translate, culturally adapt and validate the Caring Behaviors Assessment (CBA) tool in Spain, ensuring its appropriateness in the Spanish cultural context.

METHODS

Three-phase cross-cultural adaptation and validation study. Phase 1 involved the transculturation process, which included translation of the CBA tool from English to Spanish, back-translation, and refinement of the translated tool based on pilot testing and linguistic and cultural adjustments. Phase 2 involved training research assistants to ensure standardized administration of the instrument. Phase 3 involved administering the transculturally-adapted tool to a non-probabilistic sample of 402 adults who had been hospitalized within the previous 6 months. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the consistency of the item-scale, demographic differences, validity of the tool, and the importance of various caring behaviors within the Spanish cultural context. R statistical software version 4.3.3 and psych package version 2.4.1 were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

The overall internal consistency of the CBA tool was high, indicating its reliability for assessing caring behaviors. The subscales within the instrument also demonstrated high internal consistency. Descriptive analysis revealed that Spanish participants prioritized technical and cognitive aspects of care over emotional and existential dimensions.

CONCLUSIONS

The new version of the tool proved to be valid, reliable and culturally situated, which will facilitate the provision of objective and reliable data on patients beliefs about what is essential in terms of care behaviors in Spain.

Information Support Provided by Specialized Nurses via Mobile Healthcare App May Improve Treatment Adherence of Breast Cancer Patients: An Observational Study

OBJECTIVES

Mobile devices facilitate the healthcare management of breast cancer. Meanwhile, specialist nurses play an important role in disease management. We established a smartphone-based app that enables patients to raise questions to specialist nurses. We aimed to evaluate whether the information support provided by specialist nurses via smartphone app could improve the treatment adherence of breast cancer patients.

DATA SOURCE

Breast cancer patients who received surgery and registered for the app between March 2013 and April 2020 were included. Data related to the use of the app, the number of raised questions, and the specific content of each question were retrieved. Overall, 2675 patients were included, with 560 patients raising questions to specialist nurses via the app. Patients with higher educational levels, postmenopause status, and more advanced diseases were more likely to seek informational support via a smartphone app. The treatment adherence was 86.4%. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that raising questions was associated with better compliance. Regarding the distribution of questions, 78.8% of patients had questions about the treatment schedule and procedure, 65.9% of patients had questions during the adjuvant treatment, and only 19.6% of patients raised questions about follow-up and rehabilitation. After a median follow-up of 44 months, there was no survival difference between patients who raised questions and those who did not.

CONCLUSION

Seeking information support from specialist nurses was associated with better treatment adherence. The smartphone-based healthcare app enables specialist nurses to provide more conducive service for patients, and validation of this finding in further studies is warranted.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Breast cancer patients were more interested in problems with treatment procedures and schedules. Those who asked questions had better treatment adherence. The smartphone-based app could not only provide patients with a platform to seek information support but also help specialist nurses understand the needs of patients.

Patients' and professionals' experiences with advanced practice nursing in cancer care: A qualitative study

PURPOSE

The growing complexity of cancer treatments requires changes in how care is organized and who provides it. The incorporation of advanced practice nursing roles within multidisciplinary teams can improve care in cancer patients. This study aims to understand the lived experience of cancer patients and multidisciplinary professionals in relation to the care provided by advanced practice nurses (APN).

METHODS

Phenomenological qualitative study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and a field diary. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling; until theoretical data saturation was achieved. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was performed, following Guba and Lincoln's criteria for trustworthiness.

RESULTS

Interviews were performed with 18 professionals and 11 patients, from high-complexity public hospitals between March-December 2021. The main themes that emerged were: Advanced practice nurse role and competencies, Benefits provided by the APN, and Relevant aspects of nursing care.

CONCLUSION

Advanced practice nurses play a fundamental role in cancer care, making positive contributions to the patient experience and to the multidisciplinary team's work. Elucidating the contribution of advanced practice nurses in oncology will facilitate the definition of their specific competencies and, in turn, the implementation of training and management strategies to consolidate this figure in specialized centers.

Loneliness at end-of-life: A scoping review

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To map and synthesise the literature on loneliness at end-of-life and identify key knowledge gaps in loneliness research.

BACKGROUND

Declined health conditions, reduced social engagement, loss of social roles, and fear of death may lead to loneliness at end-of-life. However, systematic information about loneliness at end-of-life is scant.

METHODS

This scoping review followed the methodology proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. Nine electronic databases were searched from January 2001 to July 2022. Studies about loneliness at end-of-life were included. Two review authors independently screened and selected relevant studies and performed the data charting. The PAGER framework was employed to collate, summarise and report the results. The PRISMA-ScR checklist was included.

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies were included in this review (12 qualitative, 10 quantitative, and one mixed-methods design). There was not reliable data about the prevalence of loneliness among adults at end-of-life internationally. Three or 20-item UCLA loneliness scale was frequently used to measure loneliness. Factors predisposed adults at end-of-life to loneliness included passive and active withdrawal from social networks, inability to share emotions and to be understood, and inadequate support on spirituality. Four strategies were identified to alleviate loneliness, yet none have been substantiated in clinical trials. Interventions facilitating spirituality, social interactions and connectedness seem effective in alleviating loneliness.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first scoping review on loneliness at end-of-life, synthesising evidence from qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies. Loneliness among adults at end-of-life is under-investigated and there is a prominent need to address existential loneliness at end-of-life.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

All nurses should proactively assess loneliness or perceived social isolation for clients with life-limiting conditions, regardless of social networks. Collaborative efforts (e.g., medical-social collaborations) to promote self-worthiness, social engagement and connectedness with significant others and social networks are needed.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public involvement.

Soins infirmiers donnés pendant la chimiothérapie aux patients atteints de tumeurs gastro-intestinales

Objectifs

La présente recherche menée auprès de patients atteints d’un cancer gastro-intestinal étudiait les effets escomptés des interventions infirmières sur a) le respect du traitement par les patients, b) leur satisfaction à l’égard des soins infirmiers et c) la santé physique, par exemple la fonction pulmonaire.

Méthodologie

Tous les patients (60 personnes) ayant reçu de la chimiothérapie au service de médecine traditionnelle chinoise du First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, ont été répartis en deux groupes égaux. Aux patients du groupe 1, on a administré les soins usuels planifiés; les patients du groupe 2 ont bénéficié d’interventions infirmières fondées sur des données probantes.

Résultats

Les résultats montrent que le respect du traitement était meilleur dans le groupe 2 que dans le groupe témoin (p=0,01). De plus, on a observé un degré de satisfaction plus élevé à l’égard des services infirmiers (p =0,01) et une amélioration de la fonction pulmonaire (p=0,01). Le respect du traitement a fait diminuer la proportion d’infections secondaires dans le groupe 2 (p =0,05).

Conclusion

Les résultats montrent que des interventions infirmières de qualité permettent d’améliorer la fonction pulmonaire, de réduire le stress, de bonifier les plans de traitement et de réduire le nombre d’infections secondaires.

Medical nursing care of gastrointestinal tumour patients during chemotherapy

Objectives

This research with gastrointestinal cancer patients analyzed the expected outcomes of nursing interventions on a) patient adherence to treatment; b) patient satisfaction with nursing care; and c) health of body conditions such as lung function.

Methods

All patients (60 individuals) who underwent chemotherapy at The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, were divided into two equal groups. Group 1 received planned care and Group 2 received evidence-based nursing interventions.

Results

The results showed that treatment adherence was higher in Group 2 than in the control group (p = 0.01). In addition, there was a higher rating by patients for the quality of nursing care (p = 0.01), as well as a higher score obtained for lung function (p = 0.01). Treatment adherence resulted in a decrease in the secondary infection rate in Group 2 (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

The results showed that quality nursing intervention is effective for lung function improvement, stress level reduction, treatment plans, and a reduction of secondary infections.

How patients with severe mental illness experience care provided by psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners

BACKGROUND

Previous studies in somatic health care revealed that patients find nurse practitioners reliable, helpful, and empathic and feel empowered, at peace, and in control when cared for by nurse practitioners (NPs). Only one study so far considered what value people with severe mental illness (SMI) attached to treatment by a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP).

PURPOSE

To explore what meaning people with SMI associate with the care provided by a PMHNP.

METHODOLOGY

A qualitative study from a phenomenological perspective was conducted, in which 32 people with SMI were interviewed. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method and the metaphor identification procedure (MIP).

RESULTS

Eight fundamental themes emerged: (1) impact of the PMHNP on well-being, (2) feeling connected with, and (3) acknowledged by the PMHNP; (4) the PMHNP's care (not) needed; (5) perception of the PMHNP as a person; (6) shared decision-making; (7) PMHNP's expertise; and (8) flexibility of contact with the PMHNP. MIP analysis revealed six metaphors: PMHNP is a travel aid, means trust, is a combat unit, means hope, is an exhaust valve, and a helpdesk/encyclopedia.

CONCLUSIONS

The interviewees highly appreciated the treatment and support by the PMHNP for the impact on their well-being. Thanks to the connection with and recognition by the PMHNP, they felt empowered, human, and understood. Challenged by the PMHNP, they focused on possibilities to strengthen self-confidence and self-acceptance.

IMPLICATIONS

For further positioning of and education for PMHNPs, it is recommended to consider the meaning people with SMI associate with treatment and support by a PMHNP.

[Advanced nursing practice model for head and neck cancer: A practice development project]

Advanced nursing practice model for head and neck cancer: A practice development project Abstract. Background: Head and neck cancer confronts patients and their families with big challenges due to complex treatments as well as changes in vital functions and appearance. They require multifaceted support and benefit from coordinated, interprofessional collaboration and advanced nursing practice. Problem/aim: In a tertiary head and neck cancer center, a coordinating contact person was missing for patients, families and the care team. Therefore, a project was launched to develop an advanced nursing practice program. Methods: Methods included an advanced nursing practice concept, approaches for practice development, and action research. The project consisted of four phases: Stakeholder analysis and literature review were followed by the definition of the advanced nursing practice program, which was then tested during a pilot phase, and evaluated using structural/process data and stakeholder interviews. Results: Evidence-based, continuous, person-centered care was improved across the care continuum for patients/families. The nurses' expertise was supported and the collaboration with internal/external clinicians was facilitated. Patients/families valued the continuity offered by the advanced practice nurse. Discussion: The methodological approaches supported a goal-oriented approach; especially participatory practice development helped to address employees' concerns. Limitations/transfer: To date, a sustainable program cannot yet be warranted. For similar projects, an approach with stakeholder analysis, multidisciplinary focus, and early evaluation planning is recommended.

[Care provided by an advanced practice nurse: Experiences of patients with sarcoma and family members. A qualitative study]

Care provided by an advanced practice nurse: Experiences of patients with sarcoma and family members. A qualitative study Abstract. Background: Sarcomas are a rare, heterogeneous group of malignant tumors with different trajectories, which cause significant burden to patients and families. Due to the complex nature of treatment, an interprofessional team at the sarcoma center of a Swiss university hospital provides care to affected individuals. This interprofessional team includes an advanced practice nurse (APN) who cares for patients and family members throughout the trajectory of the disease. To date, there are limited descriptions within literature of APN care from the perspective of patients with sarcoma and their family members. Aim: To investigate how patients with sarcoma and their family members experienced APN care. Methods: The study was guided by the qualitative research methodology "Interpretive Description". Individual interviews with seven patients and five family members were conducted and analyzed in an iterative process. Results: For patients and family members, the time from diagnosis to therapy and follow-up was very stressful. They experienced the APN's care during this time as a great support and described her as a compassionate, trustworthy and continuous contact person who expertly provided information and advice while acting as a coordinator. Conclusions: Patients with sarcoma and their family members require continuous contact with a person who is compassionate, while also professional, confident and competent. Providing APN care can meet all of these essential requirements.

Nurse Practitioners' Self-Efficacy and Behavior in Supporting Self-Management of Patients With a Progressive, Life-Threatening Illness and Their Relatives: A Nationwide, Cross-Sectional Online Survey

This study aimed at investigating nurse practitioners' self-efficacy and behavior in supporting self-management of patients with a progressive, life-threatening illness and their relatives. We adapted an existing validated instrument for this purpose, amongst other things by adding a seventh subscale "attention for relatives," and administered it in a nationwide, cross-sectional online survey among Dutch nurse practitioners. We analyzed associations between self-reported self-efficacy and behavior using Pearson correlations and paired sample t tests. Associations between self-efficacy and behavior with nurse practitioners' characteristics were examined using linear regression models. Most nurse practitioners (n = 327; 26% complete responses) were women (93%). Subscale and total scores for nurse practitioners' self-efficacy were moderately positively correlated with those for their behavior in self-management support. Subscale and total scores were statistically significantly higher for their self-efficacy than for their behavior. Increased work experience with patients with a progressive, life-threatening illness was associated with higher scores on self-efficacy and behavior in self-management support. We conclude that nurse practitioners are confident in their ability to support self-management; yet, they do not always use these competencies in practice.

Building capacity through integration of advanced practice nurses in research

BACKGROUND

Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are well-positioned to function in research settings, however barriers to their engagement persist. Capacity-building through multisite research opportunities is an important strategy to overcome these barriers.

PURPOSE

To describe the benefits and challenges of incorporating APNs in research and discuss opportunities for building capacity for nursing research.

METHOD

Grounded in the experience of a nurse-led multisite longitudinal observational descriptive symptom study, field notes representing the research continuum were reviewed and categorized into themes reflecting benefits and challenges.

FINDINGS

Uniform benefits of acquiring research knowledge and skills, participating in research activities, and engaging in professional development were experienced among APNs. Limited support for regulatory and research activities, inadequate financial infrastructure, and a perceived lack of value for APNs' professional growth were commonly encountered challenges.

DISCUSSION

Establishment of an infrastructure that elevates benefits and mitigates challenges is necessary to effectively incorporate APNs in a research environment, build capacity, and advance nursing science.

Betreuung durch ein Advanced Nursing Practice-Team - Erfahrungen Lymphombetroffener und ihrer Angehörigen

Support by an advanced nursing practice team - Experiences of patients with lymphoma and their family members. A qualitative study Abstract. Background: Patients with lymphomas who are treated with high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) are confronted with a life-threatening disease and a stressful therapeutic procedure. An advanced nursing practice (ANP) team was established at the Inselspital, Bern University Hospital to provide continuous, need-based care to these patients and their family members throughout the entire course of therapy. Little is known about experiences of concerned persons. Objective: With this study, patients' with lymphomas treated with HDC and ASCT and their family members' experiences of the care provided by the ANP team were explored. Methods: The qualitative research approach "interpretive description" provided orientation. Eight couple interviews with patients and their family members were conducted and evaluated by means of reflexive thematic analysis. Results: The participants experienced continuous caring by the nurse consultants throughout the entire course of therapy and received professional, administrative, and emotional support. They felt competently informed as well as advised, and had an easily accessible contact person for questions to whom they had built up an emotional relationship. This not only encouraged and strengthened them, but also provided security and the feeling of being in good hands. Conclusion: It is recommended to offer an ANP service to those affected, as for them the continuous support of a proficient, compassionate, familiar and committed contact person was essential.

Initial exploration of training for palliative care specialist nurses in mainland China

This paper describes the initial exploration of training program for palliative care specialist nurses in mainland China. The training program included one month of theoretical learning and one month of clinical practice. The theoretical training contents were mainly set up around four modules such as clinical practice, teaching, scientific research and management. After the theoretical training, the trainees needed to practice in specific clinical practice hospitals. In total, 192 trainees from 27 provinces (municipalities) in mainland China participated in the training program. All trainees passed theoretical and clinical practice examinations. Their knowledge, attitude and behavior concerning palliative care were significantly improved after training (p < 0.001). The overall satisfaction rate of the trainees towards the theoretical courses was 95.6%, and the overall satisfaction rate of the trainees towards the clinical teaching base was 94.2%. The training program for palliative care specialist nurses can ensure the trainees to acquire basic professional knowledge and skills and improve their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors concerning palliative care. However, it is needed to explore training programs that are in part-time model, delivered online or suitable for different levels of nursing staff to improve the accessibility.

Comparable, but distinct: Perceptions of primary care provided by physicians and nurse practitioners in full and restricted practice authority states

AIMS

To understand patients' and providers' perceptions of primary care delivered by nurse practitioners (NPs) in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System.

DESIGN

Qualitative exploratory study (in convergent mixed-methods design).

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews in 2016 with primary care providers and patients from facilities in states with full and restricted practice authority for NPs. Patient sample based on reassignment to: (a) a NP; or (b) a different physician following an established physician relationship. Data were analysed using content analysis.

RESULTS

We interviewed 28 patients, 17 physicians and 14 NPs. We found: (a) NPs provided more holistic care than physicians; (b) patients were satisfied with NPs; and (c) providers' professional experience outweighed provider type.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients' preferences for NPs (compared with prior physicians) contributed to perceptions of patient centredness. Similarities in providers' perceptions suggest NPs and physicians are both viable providers for primary care.

IMPACT

Nurse Practitioners (NPs): practice authority Veterans Affairs Health care: nurse practitioners will continue to be a viable resource for primary care delivery United States Health care: challenges notions patients may not be satisfied with care provided by NPs and supports expanding their use to provide much-needed access to primary care services; expanding Full Practice Authority would allow states to provide acceptable primary care without diminishing patient or provider experiences.

Generating Oncology Patient Trust in the Nurse: An Integrative Review

An integrative review was conducted to evaluate the extent and quality of literature regarding adult oncology patients' trust in nurses. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Three themes were identified, which are as follows: nurse trust facilitating behaviors, nurse attributes, and the influence of patient-nurse trust on health and psychosocial well-being. Findings indicate that the extent of literature is limited in specific examples of nurse interventions that facilitate interpersonal patient-nurse trust. Future research should include more detailed nurse actions and attributes that build patient-nurse trust to fully understand the benefits of trust in oncology patients.

A Metaphor Analysis of Patients' With Chronic Conditions Experiences With Holistic Nurse Coaching

The purpose of this study was to examine metaphors used by patients with chronic conditions to describe their experience with holistic nurse coaching. A secondary analysis was conducted using Metaphor Identification Procedure to analyze the corpus of 112 pages of typed transcription. Five metaphors emerged: (1) taking personal power back like acquiring a new toolbox; (2) seeing health challenges from different angles like a duck pond race; (3) shifting perception of a chronic condition like a spider turned into a friend; (4) engaging in self-care like caring for a favorite plant; and (5) choosing to focus on the positive like a collage that changed from dark to light. Specific interventions can be developed to address each of these metaphors to help patients live well with chronic conditions.

What does the nurse practitioner mean to you? A patient-oriented qualitative study in oncological/palliative care

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To explore what meaning patients associate with their experiences with a nurse practitioner (NP) in oncological or palliative care.

BACKGROUND

Care provided by NPs results in high patient satisfaction, mostly related to the assurance of continuity of care, and to receiving information and advice on coping with the disease. Research shows that health care provided by NPs equals the quality of care provided by physicians. Patients may be even more satisfied with care provided by NPs. Because patients' views have only been examined quantitatively, underlying experiences and meanings remain unclear.

DESIGN

A qualitative study from a phenomenological perspective.

METHODS

In 2017, seventeen outpatients aged 45-79 years, receiving oncological or palliative care, were interviewed in depth. Data were analysed by Colaizzi's seven-step method and by the Metaphor Identification Procedure.

RESULTS

Six fundamental themes emerged: the NP as a human (1) and as a professional (2), the NP providing care (3) and cure (4), NPs organising patient care (5) and the impact on patient's well-being (6). MIP analysis revealed six metaphors: NP means trust; is a travel aid; is a combat unit; is a chain; is a signpost; and is a technician.

CONCLUSIONS

NPs mean a lot to patients. NPs are valued as reliable, helpful and empathic. Patients feel empowered, at peace and in control as a result of the support, guidance and attention to them as a person as well as to aspects of the disease. Providing expert, integrated care makes patients feel safe and embraced in the NP's expertise.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This qualitative insight into patients' experiences will contribute to the body of knowledge on patients' perceptions of the treatment and support provided by NPs. It adds to the further development of the NPs' profession and education.