CN9 - The European Cancer Nursing Index 2020: A tool for mapping cancer nursing status across Europe

Background

Prior research by the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) has provided evidence for significant differences in various dimension of cancer nursing across Europe. EONS Advocacy working group has developed the European Cancer Nursing Index (ECNI) to illustrate the status and better promote cancer nursing among political and/or health contexts.

Methods

Data on education and career development, patient and occupational safety, working conditions and impact, recognition and workforce statistics) were collected and (22 items) were divided into 5 dimensions (described above). from European cancer nurses through EONS survey on patient and occupational safety (n=491) and interviews conducted with leading cancer nurses (n=38). Eurostat and OECD work force statistics were also used. A scoring manual was developed (with scores 0- 100) by EONS Advocacy group. For items with varying responses from the same country, the most frequent was applied. Each of the 38 countries’ national cancer profile was scored according to the manual and was presented graphically on map charts (mapchart.net).

Results

Important differences between countries regarding the 5 dimensions was found. The mean total cancer nursing index score was 48 out of 100 and varied between 16-78, with the highest reported total score was from Ireland (78/100). In education and career development (mean=9, min-max =0-18) Norway, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Ireland scored higher, in Patient and Occupational safety (mean=18, min-max =3-36) Germany and Belgium, and recognition (mean=8, min-max =0-15) Cyprus, Denmark and Sweden, while Bosnia and Switzerland ranked higher on working conditions and impact (mean=15, min-max =3-19).

Conclusions

The ECNI 2020 provides important information on the differences in cancer nursing profile across Europe. Cancer nursing needs to be strengthened in all European countries, to guarantee high quality and safe cancer care. It is recommended that the index be updated biannually to reflect progress and future developments.

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.