Abstract CN45
Background
The Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) role is a new concept in all fields of nursing practice, dating back to 1990. The role of the ANP is invaluable, allowing patients to receive timely care and negates delays in treatment. In the UK, the role continues to develop in response to the changing healthcare needs of our population including an ageing society, increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, the advancement of new treatments, inefficient healthcare policies and the rising cost of healthcare. Nurses have always acknowledged the healthcare needs of patients and their roles have developed in response; the ANP role is no different. Currently the role requires additional competencies that include but are not limited to physical assessment skills and obtaining a non-medical prescribing qualification recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. ANPs have supported the delivery of standard clinical care at The Royal Marsden Hospital (RMH) in recent years but this has not expanded into clinical research nursing.
Methods
Following a restructure of nursing leadership within the unit in 2018, it was recommended that clinical research nurses could widen their scope of practice by undertaking advanced masters education modules to enhance autonomy and facilitate nurse-led research clinics. The imminent appointment of an ANP specific to research in our unit will pioneer this role within RMH.
Results
The ANP will provide support to research clinics by reviewing trial patients including protocol-mandated adverse event assessments and physical examination. Key relevant diagnostic tests can be ordered without delay. Investigational medicinal products will be prescribed, a task ordinarily reserved for a delegated physician. A service evaluation will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the ANP role, which furthermore may identify areas for development.
Conclusions
Clinical research nursing has evolved into a specialised area of practice and the introduction of the ANP role is a direct result. Implementing the ANP role in the Gastrointestinal & Lymphoma Unit will expand service delivery, provide clinical support to doctors and maintain continuity of care by improving the overall experience for our trial patients.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.