Defining the Role of the Advanced Practice Provider Within the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program.

Purpose: Oncology advanced practice providers (APPs), including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, physician assistants, and clinical pharmacists, contribute significantly to quality cancer care. Understanding the research-related roles of APPs in the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) could lead to enhanced protocol development, trial conduct, and accrual.

Methods: The 2022 NCORP Landscape Assessment Survey asked two questions about the utilization and roles of APPs in the NCORP.

Heparin Versus Normal Saline: Flushing Effectiveness in Managing Central Venous Catheters in Pediatric Patients With Cancer.

Background: There is insufficient evidence of the effects of intermittent flushing with normal saline versus heparin to prevent occlusion or increased alteplase use in pediatric patients with central venous catheters.

Objectives: The primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new standard flushing practice in the management of central venous access devices in pediatric patients with cancer. A secondary objective was to assess the cost of heparin flushing supplies to patients and financial impact.

Understanding Attitudes and Roles of Oncology Advanced Practitioners in the Setting of Cancer Clinical Trials: A Pilot Study.

Purpose: Oncology advanced practitioners (APs), including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and pharmacists, are skilled health-care providers who contribute significantly to quality cancer care. However, little is known about how APs function within the clinical trials arena. With low rates of clinical trial enrollment among the adult oncology patient population, APs could play an important role in improving clinical trial enrollment.