CN47 - Consensus research priorities for cancer nursing in Europe: A Delphi study

Background

Identifying key areas of focus in cancer nursing research is essential to ensure strategic development, ensuring cancer nursing research is impactful and positively influences the care and outcomes of people affected by cancer. To address diverse cancer nursing research needs in Europe, the European Oncology Nursing Society conducted a Delphi study to define European cancer nursing research priorities. This initiative aims to support strategic regional development of relevant and timely research, thereby advancing cancer care.

Methods

A 3-round Delphi was undertaken with a panel of experts in cancer nursing practice, research, policy or education. 115 research topics within 11 thematic areas were pre-identified via a systematic review and consultation with cancer nurses. Between September 2023 and March 2024, the expert panel ranked the importance and prioritisation of research topics. The consensus threshold was 80% agreement; rankings were based on the weighted average (x̄) responses to prioritisation questions in round 3.

Results

81 cancer nursing experts participated in rounds 1-3 of this study. In round 3, consensus was achieved for 73 of 123 items presented (59.3%). In round 3, the thematic research areas of 1) Nurse-Led Care and Models of Cancer Care (x̄: 31.3, 71.2%), 2) Unmet Needs in Cancer Care (x̄: 19.3, 44.2%) and 3) education, training and professional development for nurses (x̄: 16.6, 36.5%) were the three highest ranked thematic areas for future research. The top three ranked research topics were: 1) research to support understanding of factors influencing recruitment retention and turnover within the cancer care workforce in Europe (x̄: 4.22, 49.1%); 2) research to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on the outcomes of people living with cancer (x̄: 3.45, 43.6%); and 3) research to understand risk factors for cancer diagnosis (x̄: 3.31, 49.1%).

Conclusions

This study provides directions for cancer nursing research to advance nursing practice and supportive care for people affected by cancer. The prioritised topics reflect current challenges in cancer care more broadly, including workforce planning, advanced practice and cancer prevention.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

European Oncology Nursing Society.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

A. Drury: Non-Financial Interests, Institutional, Other, Board Member: EONS. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.