Abstract / Summary
Aim: To explore oncology nurses' perspectives on performing cancer treatments with parenteral antineoplastic agents in patients' homes.
Design: A descriptive qualitative study utilizing interviews.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were performed with oncology nurses at a hospital oncology daycare ward between October and November 2022. The interview data were inductively analysed with thematic content analysis.
Results: Five themes were identified: (1) Establishing rapport in the home environment, (2) The complexity of a home, (3) Adverse events-not practicalities, (4) Solitary nursing and (5) Planning enables performance. The nurses believed patients would benefit from home treatment with antineoplastic agents but were concerned about adverse events and working alone. For successful home treatments, nurses believed sufficient resources, education and support were necessary. Practicalities such as transporting, administering and waste handling were not considered complex. Neither did the antineoplastic agents handling seem problematic.
Conclusions: Although positive, especially from the patient perspective, the nurses identified concerns that need to be addressed before implementing oncology hospital-at-home services.
Implications: Working in different contexts than the hospital can lead to extended roles and further responsibilities for oncology nurses and possibly facilitate more person-centred care.
Impact: This study explored oncology nurses' perspectives on performing parenteral cancer treatments with antineoplastic agents in patients' homes. In general, the nurses were positive, but challenges were identified. The study provides insights into how healthcare developers can incorporate the needs of nurses when designing future hospital-at-home programmes.
Reporting method: COREQ guidelines were used.
Patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: This paper can be used to create tools addressing barriers nurses might have working with hazardous antineoplastic agents in hospital-at-home environments. It emphasizes the importance of education, resources and support to provide nurses with an adequate and safe working environment, improving patient experiences and safety.