Nevidjon, B. and Rieger, P. and Miller Murphy, C. and Rosenzweig, M. Q. and McCorkle, M. R. and Baileys, K., Filling the gap: development of the oncology nurse practitioner workforce.,
Journal of oncology practice / American Society of Clinical Oncology, vol. 6 no. 1
(January, 2010),
pp. 2-6, ISSN 1935-469X [doi]
(last updated on 2010/11/05)
Abstract:
One goal of the ongoing health care reform debate is to increase access to care through insurance reform. In contradistinction to these efforts, the future shortage of health care professionals will clearly limit such access. In cancer care, shortages of health care professionals will occur in conjunction with a growing older population, expanded treatment options, and increased cancer survivorship.1,2 Cancer care is distinguished by its inter-professional and multispecialty model. The ASCO Fall 2008 Workforce Statement urged development of the workforce to ensure continuous delivery of high-quality cancer care.3 Developing new strategies for oncology care delivery by increasing the numbers and expanding the roles of nonphysician practitioners, such as nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs), is critically important to meet the current and potential cancer care needs of the US population. There are differences that each discipline brings, and this article will present an overview of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in oncology and demonstrate potential collaborative opportunities for the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and ASCO in closing the gap between demand and supply.
