A qualitative evaluation of community and acute hospital nursing oncology services in Ireland

Purpose: Cancer patients are a particularly vulnerable population group, facing an increase in physical, mental, logistical and financial difficulties. This, as well as Ireland?s increased focus on primary care with the Sl?aintecare health plan, led to the development of the Community Oncology Nursing Programme, where community nurses are trained to provide cancer care in the community. This paper sought to explore the lived experiences of the patients and nurses involved in this programme in order to examine its impact as well as determine facilitators and roadblocks for future development. Methods: A qualitative examination of the service was carried out by interviewing cancer patients receiving care as part of the programme as well as the nurses delivering care, both in the community and hospital day-ward. Thematic analysis was used. Results: Themes of improved patient experience, nurse-patient relationship, the importance of location and roadblocks to further implementation of the programme emerged. There was a universal belief that the programme offered benefits to the patient and improved their care in some manner. Conclusions: The Community Oncology Nursing Programme has been well received by both nurses and patients. The service provided by community nurses as part of this programme offers benefits to patients and an improved cancer service.