Evaluation of an APN service in acute inpatient care of patients with a malignant brain tumor: a qualitative study in a Swiss university hospital / Evaluation eines APN-Angebots in der akut-stationären Versorgung von Patienten und Patientinnen mit malignem Hirntumor: eine qualitative Studie in einem Schweizer Universitätsspital

Background

Caring for patients with a malignant brain tumor is complex and requires a high degree of coordination. The disease reduces life expectancy and affects quality of life. Therefore, patients often depend on the support of their relatives. To achieve better care for such patients and their relatives, a Department of Neurosurgery at a Swiss university hospital introduced a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and their service in 2017. 18 months after implementation, an evaluation of this NP role was conducted. It was aimed for to explore the experience of the interprofessional health care team.

Method

A qualitative research design was used. Eight individual interviews and one focus group interview were conducted with representatives of the interprofessional health care team. Using a literature-based structured interview guide, the experience of participants was explored. Interviews were analyzed thematically.

Results

The NP and their service was appreciated. Collaboration with the medical profession and the coordination of profession-specific demands also improved. The NP as a constant person of contact had a positive effect on the continuity of care e.g., with regard to discharge management. Medical doctors and registered nurses experienced an improved patient satisfaction. Further need for improvement was identified regarding the clarification of the NP role and the interprofessional collaboration.

Conclusion

The study reports on the successful introduction of an NP and their service in oncological care; it demonstrates that the implementation of this role can also be beneficial in acute inpatient care.