The Role of Oncology Nursing to Ensure Quality Care for Cancer Survivors: a Report Commissioned by the National Cancer Policy Board and Institute of Medicine

Purpose: To examine the roles of oncology nurses in improving quality care for cancer survivors.

Data Sources: A content analysis of textbooks, journals, and key documents; surveys of graduate oncology nursing programs and the Oncology Nursing Society's Survivorship Special Interest Group; review of the nursing licensure examination and oncology nursing certification; review of undergraduate and graduate nursing standards; and review of currently funded nursing research.

Data Synthesis: Ten critical content areas of cancer survivorship were used for the analysis: description of population of cancer survivors, primary care, short- and long-term complications, prevention of secondary cancer, detecting recurrent and secondary cancers, treatment of recurrent cancer, quality-of-life issues, rehabilitative services, palliative and end-of-life care, and quality of care. Although findings within each source indicated significant information related to the roles of nurses in caring for cancer survivors, deficits also were identified.

Conclusions: Review of key literature and resources suggests significant contributions by oncology nursing over the past two decades to the area of cancer survivorship.

Implications For Nursing: Support is needed to expand education and research to ensure quality care for future cancer survivors.