Perceptions of rural nurses extending their role to administer chemotherapy

<p>Qasem Alnasr</p>

Perceptions of rural nurses extending their role to administer chemotherapy

Qasem Alnasr

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, KSA

: J Nurs Patient Care

Abstract

Introduction & Aim: Nurses in rural regions of South Australia are currently administering chemotherapy in centers where this was not previously the case. To prepare these nurses a state-wide chemotherapy education and assessment program was implemented in 2013. This research project explored the perceptions of nurses working in level-one rural centers administering low-risk chemotherapy protocols. Method: This is a qualitative study. Individual interviews were conducted with eight registered nurses working in low-risk chemotherapy centers in rural settings. The data analysis methods were based on critical social theory. Result: Four main categories of findings are identified: (1) Role extension, preparedness and self-confidence (2) chemotherapy services in rural areas (3) power relationships, referrals and knowledge sustainability and (4) communication with other cancer settings and professionals. Overall, participants highly valued the service as valuable support for rural patients with cancer, but they identified areas of concern, including the need to maintain knowledge and skills and to establish their role in referral and follow-up processes. Conclusion: Recommendations for practice include the need to develop a chemotherapy education module specific to rural nursing practice that provides regular updates and clinical rotations to a higher chemotherapy administration service. The role of rural nurses and other health care professionals in patient referral processes needs to be clarified. Lastly, research needs to be undertaken to quantify the number of rural cancer patients who could utilize a low-risk rural chemotherapy administration service and to explore the experiences of those who are not currently utilizing the service.