Introduction
The Day Oncology Unit (DOU) does more than just administer chemotherapy. The Northern DOU supports a successful transfusion program as well as other supportive therapies, CVAD care and minor procedures.
These treatments and procedures equate to 40% of the workload of the unit. The nature of these treatments requires capacities that fall within the EEN scope of practice.
Aim
To expand the EEN role within their scope of practice to include important aspects of cancer care by introducing a procedure room to deliver specific treatments and improve flow through the Day Oncology Unit.
Method
A Procedure room space was created and treatments scheduled according to certain criteria. Data to reflect the flow through the procedure room was collected. The EEN role was funded and introduced to manage these patients’ treatment with the guidance and supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN - team leader).
Feedback was sought from RN nursing staff in the DOU, via survey questionnaire to ascertain the impact of the EEN role.
Results
Data collection demonstrates that in 2014, the procedure room had 2246 treatment episodes (average 190 per month). This has improved flow through the unit and increased capacity for longer, complex treatments. Staff survey results were very positive and encouraging towards the EEN role in the unit. The EEN staff have also expressed that working in the Day Oncology Unit has increased their knowledge and confidence in caring for the cancer patient receiving complex treatment.
Conclusion
The implementation of a procedure room has facilitated the introduction of the EEN role into a Day Oncology environment with positive outcomes for workflow, patient care and staff development.