Keywords

Descriptive survey, Nursing research, Oncology nurses, Republic of Ireland, Research priorities

 

Authors

  1. Murphy, Anne RGN, MSc, HDipONC, BSc
  2. Cowman, Seamus PhD, MSc, PGCEA, Dip N (London) RNT, RGN, RPN, FFNMRCSI

Abstract

To determine the research priorities of oncology nurses in the Republic of Ireland, a descriptive survey study was undertaken at a national oncology specialist center. The center's nurses (N = 119) were invited to participate in the study, and a 66% (n = 79) response rate was obtained. The research priority areas identified were concentrated around nurse-led care and the effectiveness of nurse-led services in areas such as pain management. Communication, information, and continuity of care issues and stress and burnout in oncology nursing were also among the top priorities selected. Quality of life and radiotherapy were the most important themes that emerged in the open-question section of the questionnaire. The result of this study provides important insights and direction for the development of oncology nursing research in the Republic of Ireland. It also adds to the international literature on research priorities across different jurisdictions.