RN4CAST-SACT-D
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pilot testing an adapted version of the Registered Nursing Forecasting (RN4CAST) Nurse Survey in systematic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) day units: A mixed-methods feasibility study
IRAS ID
330972
Contact name
Jo Armes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
This research forms the third part of the applicant’s PhD, aiming at exploring the potential factors that will compromise the feasibility and acceptability of the RN4CAST-CAST-D nurse survey. In the future (after completion of PhD) the intention is to undertake a national survey of systematic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) day unit nurses and patients to guide workforce planning in this setting.
As cancer cytotoxic treatments have moved from inpatient to nurse-led outpatient settings, chemotherapy nurses have faced increasing workload challenges against the backdrop of rising patient numbers, innovations in systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT), and the continued development of responsive outpatient chemotherapy systems. This raises concerns about the safety and quality of patient care and experience and has implications for workforce outcomes (e.g., well-being, job satisfaction, and staff retention).
The Registered Nursing Forecasting (RN4CAST) survey (Bruyneel et al., 2009) is an international research initiative designed to model what happens to the quality of patient care and care outcomes when components of the workforce change in acute and geriatric inpatient units. Results from the RN4CAST studies suggest that increased nurse workload and burnout are associated with reduced patient safety and quality of care, while higher nursing skills are associated with better patient outcomes. However, the insights gleaned from RN4CAST have not been applied to the oncology setting, where the insights provided by the RN4CAST methodology could help identify key pressure points and identify targets for potential policy solutions. Therefore, this study aims to adapt the RN4CAST nurse survey and methodologies for use in the SACT day units.
This research is a multiple-site study including 5 NHS Trusts (Guy’s and St Thomas’, London, and Royal Surrey Hospital, Guildford) where patients attend for their SACT treatment in outpatient settings (SACT day units). At each SACT day unit, potential eligible nurses and patients will be identified and invited to participate in the study. Data will be collected from two questionnaires (RN4CAT-SACT-D survey for nurses and PR-CISE survey for patients) and semi-structured interviews with nurses and analysed to identify the potential factors that will compromise the feasibility and acceptability of the RN4CAST-SACT-D nurse survey. Research findings will help us better understand the feasibility and acceptability of the RN4CAST-SACT-D nurse survey and, therefore, better adopt the methodologies for future studies.
This research is funded by the University of Surrey as a studentship awarded to Zhuming Bao (PhD student).REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NE/0036
Date of REC Opinion
22 Feb 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion