BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Implementing the basic principles of biomarker use in oncology nursing: Enhancing knowledge and practice through an elearning module

Abstract

This article focuses on expanding the clinical knowledge base on the role of biomarkers in oncology nursing in the infusion clinic and home care environment. It describes a pilot project to develop a clinical practice guideline.

Through focus groups and surveys conducted by a large national home health care provider, knowledge and practice gaps in the area of molecular oncology were identified amongst infusion clinic and home care nurses. Gaps included the lack of exposure to and understanding of the impact of the advances in molecular-level research and technology and how analysis can facilitate personalized treatments for our patients. Funding was provided by the RNAO through the Advanced Clinical Practice Fellowship (ACPF) program to develop a Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for Biomarker Use in Oncology Nursing. As a pilot project, an interactive elearning module was developed; content was established based on thorough review and critical analysis of the literature on biomarkers, molecular profiling, and personalized medicine. The purpose of the module was to provide education and information intended to support a practitioner’s best nursing judgment based on the clinical circumstances of a particular patient or patient population. The goal of the elearning module was to have a positive impact on patient care and infusion clinic nurses practice by bridging the gap between their practice and currently available evidence on biomarker use and application. The module, with a high-level overview of the subject matter, offers an opportunity for enhancing knowledge of participants in this rapidly changing field.