Original Research
Development of a Professional Practice Model for Neuro-oncology Advanced Practitioners at an Academic Medical Center: A Quality Improvement Project
Christina K. Cone,(1) DNP, APRN, ANP, AOCNP®, and Mary Lou Affronti,(2) DNP, RN, MHSc, ANP
1) The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina; 2) Duke University School of Nursing, The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Durham, North Carolina.
Authors’ disclosures of conflicts of interest are found at the end of this article.
Christina Cone, DNP, APRN, ANP, AOCNP®, The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, 047 Baker House, Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710.
E-mail: christina.cone@duke.edu
J Adv Pract Oncol 2018;9(5):475–486 |
https://doi.org/10.6004/jadpro.2018.9.5.2 |
© 2018 Harborside™
ABSTRACT
Abstract
In medicine, neuro-oncology practice falls outside the scope of established practice requirements for the specialties of neurology, medical oncology, and neurosurgery, justifying the prerequisite of specialized training to practice neuro-oncology. Neuro-oncology advanced practitioners (AP) also require specialization beyond the scope of population-based generalist training and education. This quality improvement project’s primary purpose was to develop a professional practice model (PPM) for APs employed at an academic medical center (AMC) ambulatory neuro-oncology practice. Using the focus, analyze, develop, execute, and evaluate (FADE) quality improvement methodology, the authors (1) reviewed literature and relevant professional organizations to identify possible professional competencies for neuro-oncology APs; (2) analyzed data to develop evidence-based practice domains; (3) used purposive sampling to recruit an interprofessional team of neuro-oncology experts; and (4) conducted a Delphi study with an interprofessional team of experts to gain consensus on practice domains and professional competencies. Twenty-three participants (n = 23) were recruited for the Delphi study, which was executed via electronic transmission using the Web-based software Qualtrics. After two rounds of the Delphi survey, the expert team reached consensus on six domains of practice, with 50 corresponding competency statements. Through interprofessional collaboration and consensus, this quality improvement project successfully created a PPM for an AMC neuro-oncology AP team. The PPM supports neuro-oncology APs by validating the unique set of skills that combines several specialties. The PPM provided the framework to standardize orientation and training, evaluate performance, and support the professional development of an AMC neuro-oncology AP team.
For access to the full length article, please
sign in.
