Documentation and outcomes of advanced nursing practice.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To review literature related to documentation and evaluation of the competency of advanced practice nurses (APNs) and outline consensus findings specific to this area from the State-of-the-Knowledge Conference on Advanced Practice in Oncology Nursing.

DATA SOURCES

Published articles in professional journals and written summations from the conference.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Documentation and evaluation of APN competency is characterized by continued questioning about optimum approaches and methods. The literature to date has offered suggestions to initiate evaluation in APN practice. When documenting and evaluating APN competency, quality enhancement efforts and indices of cost-effectiveness must be considered. To expand APN practice opportunities, documentation and evaluation must be considered as a desired and necessary quantification of practice and not just as extra work. Efforts to promote this way of thinking will enhance marketability of the APN role in cancer care.

CONCLUSION

Little research of APN outcomes exists. To counter this paucity, ONS and other organizations need to develop theoretical models to support outcomes documentation, which, in turn, enhances political and organizational savvy and promotes a viable future for APNs.

NURSING IMPLICATIONS

Improved documentation of nursing interventions is required to justify the necessity and effectiveness of the APN role. In the ever-changing arena of health and cancer care, oncology APNs must ensure their positions in both existing and evolving marketplaces though efficient documentation and evaluation.