Research priorities in haemato-oncology nursing: results of a literature review and a Delphi study.

PURPOSE

The study aimed to review the nursing haemato-oncology literature followed by a Delphi study to determine research priorities of UK nurses working in haemato-oncology.

METHODS AND SAMPLE

The review analysed relevant literature from 1996-2008. In the Delphi study, all members of the Royal College of Nursing (UK), Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Forum (n=1444) were invited to participate. Data were collected in three sequential rounds of postal questionnaires. Research topics identified in round 1 were used to compile subsequent questionnaires.

KEY RESULTS

A final list of 33 research priorities was identified. Clear research themes emerged from the data including chemotherapy, psychosocial issues and information giving, psychological support needs of nurses, ethical considerations and palliative care, nurse-led services and guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Results show both similarities and differences to priorities identified in previous haemopoietic stem cell transplant and cancer nursing studies. Further exploration of priority areas is required but priorities identified in this study provide a good starting point for further exploration and development of research programmes.