CN123A bottom-up approach for prioritising the scientific activities of the Italian Association of Cancer Nurses (AIIAO): Rationale and topic identification

Abstract Background Oncology nurses are responsible to provide their patients with the evidence-based care. Clinical guidelines or recommendations can be developed by scientific associations as a guide for performing evidence-based practice. These guidelines are often taken into consideration for the assessment of professional responsibility, as well as to guide the practice. The Italian Institute of Health identified the Italian Association of Cancer Nurses (AIIAO) among the scientific societies authorised to produce, adapt and implement guidelines. However, it is important to identify which areas of oncology nursing warrant an action to facilitate AIIAO in setting the agenda. A specific prerequisite for developing high-quality guidelines is incorporating nurses’ views into priority-setting. The aim of this study is to use a bottom-up approach to empirically investigate which areas of oncology nursing require higher priority in the definition of evidence-based recommendations. Methods This is a multi-phase study including a cross-sectional national survey. In order to develop the tool for the survey, a systematic search of the literature, a focus group, and content and face validity evaluation will be conducted. Results Seven areas were identified by the literature review to develop the survey: (a) fatigue; (b) pain; (c) sleep disorders; (d) secondary symptoms; (e) cognitive impairment resulting from cancer and its treatment; (f) chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy; and (g) psychological distress. This research is still ongoing. A panel of researchers are operationalising the identified areas in the items for the national survey. Cancer nurses will be asked to rate the priority of each area for the implementation, adaptation and development of AIIAO clinical guidelines. Conclusions The results of this survey might raise awareness about oncology nurses’ opinions on which areas of clinical practice warrant an action. This will facilitate the associations and affiliated working groups in developing evidence-based recommendations. Moreover, a bottom-up mapping of the nurses’ priorities will inform the planning of AIIAO strategic activities targeted to strengthen cancer care. Legal entity responsible for the study Italian Association of Cancer Nurses (AIIAO). Funding Has not received any funding. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.