Role and competencies of the research nurse in oncohematology: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract

BACKGROUND: the growing complexity of onco-hematology clinical trials shows the research nurse as a unique figure of its kind today. The lack of a clear and common job description at an international level, the sharing of activities with other non-nursing figures and the heterogeneous level of training raise elements of ambiguity with respect to his role. Aim: to analyze the role and skills of the clinical research nurse in onco-hematology in the international context.

METHODS: a systematic review was carried out according to PRISMA statement; the search in the MEDLINE-PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane databases produced 302 results. In total, 15 sources published from 2000 to 2020 were included in the systematic review.

Results: the review highlights 6 roles of the research nurse in onco-hematology (direct assistance, research activities, coordination of clinical trials, health education, training/consultancy, advocacy) with 7 skills (clinical, methodological, communicative-relational, autonomy, critical thinking, leadership, team work). All studies identify these roles, with the exception of clinical trial coordination. It was not possible to systematize the nursing skills as they were often not explicitly mentioned in the studies.  Furthermore, in literature it is noted that a lack of higher education reference excludes the research nurse from the role of specialist.

CONCLUSIONS: despite the role delineation tools found in literature, the scope of practice of this professional and his responsibilities remain ambiguous. Qualitative studies and surveys targeting research nurses could help delve deeper into perceived role confusion in the field.