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Evaluation of patient satisfaction of receiving Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy prescribed by nurse Non-Medical Prescribers

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Abstract

To evaluate patient satisfaction of patients receiving Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment prescribed by nurse Non-Medical Prescribers as a new model of care at a Cancer Unit in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. A cross-sectional survey design, with a convenience sample of patients from five tumour groups who received Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy by nurse Non-Medical Prescribers, across a 3-month period in 2022 was employed. Anonymised data were collected via postal survey, which incorporated a minimally modified version of the 45-item Leeds Satisfaction Questionnaire (LSQ). One-hundred and sixteen surveys were returned, yielding a 36% response rate. Overall patients' satisfaction levels with nurse non-medical prescribing of systemic anti-cancer therapy were high across all six subscales of the modified LSQ corroborated by qualitative free-text comments. Eighty-five percent of participants indicated they were happy to continue being prescribed systemic anti-cancer therapy by the nurse non-medical prescribers. Overall patient satisfaction of Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment prescribed by nurse Non-Medical Prescribers was positively rated; with high standards of compassionate, person-centred care reported, demonstrating an acceptable transformation in care delivery from a consultant-led model. Nonetheless, there was scope for improved health literacy to enhance patients' understanding and compliance with treatment. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.]
Original languageEnglish
Article number102597
Pages (from-to)1-7
Number of pages8
JournalEuropean Journal of Oncology Nursing
Volume70
Early online date8 May 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 30 Jun 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024

Funding

SACT is a collective term that incorporates cytotoxic chemotherapy, biological therapies and other pharmaceutical treatments used to treat patients with a cancer diagnosis (Healthcare Improvement Scotland, 2013). The provision of SACT by nurse NMPs was a new model of practice implemented in Northern Ireland (NI) in 2017. The Oncology Haematology Stabilisation Plan determined that in NI there was an increase of 32% in SACT prescriptions between 2018/19 and 2021/22. This was significantly higher than predicted by the Oncology Services Transformation Programme (DOH 2022). This Oncology Haematology Stabilisation Plan also determined that in order to manage this continued increase in demand and service provision, NI must move away from the consultant-delivered model to a medically-led and supported service, utilising the skills of the non-medical workforce. The impetus driving this new model of service delivery was to make the best use of the multidisciplinary team skill sets, whilst delivering more cost-effective and sustainable cancer services (DOH 2022).A cross-sectional quantitative service evaluation was undertaken using a modified version of a 45 standardised-item survey to measure patient satisfaction. Using convenience sampling, participants were recruited from SEHSCT, across five tumour groups, namely breast, lung, colorectal, haematology and prostate cancer. Eligibility criteria included the following: (1) Age >18 years old; (2) Oncology/Haematology patient at SEHSCT currently receiving or have received SACT between 1st September 2022 - 31st December 2022; (3) Prescribed SACT at least once by nurse NMP; (4) Able to provide informed consent; (5) Able to read in English. The exclusion criteria were patients within the terminal phase of their condition and approaching end of life (NHS 2022), and dementia or gross psychopathology. Potential participants, meeting the inclusion criteria, were identified by two gatekeepers at SEHSCT, namely the Ward Manager of the Chemotherapy Unit and an Acute Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist. Following a live status check of potential participants, 319 participants were sent the study pack which included a letter explaining the purpose of the study, a consent form, a survey and a participant information sheet (PIS). To promote anonymity, the study pack included two free post envelopes (different colours) - i) white to return the consent form to the gatekeepers and ii) buff to return the questionnaire to the research team. The consent form and questionnaire had unique corresponding codes to ensure both documents had been returned. Ethical approval was sought and granted by the Ulster University Nursing and Health Research Filter Committee.

    UN SDGs

    This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
      SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

    Keywords

    • Male
    • Adult
    • Advanced nursing practice
    • Cross-Sectional Studies
    • Humans
    • Northern Ireland
    • Non-Medical Prescribing
    • Oncology Nursing - standards
    • Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy
    • Patient Satisfaction - statistics & numerical data
    • Middle Aged
    • Patient satisfaction
    • Female
    • Aged, 80 and over
    • Cancer
    • Antineoplastic Agents - therapeutic use
    • Neoplasms - drug therapy
    • Non-medical prescribing
    • Aged
    • Surveys and Questionnaires

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