Risk modeling: applying evidence-based risk assessment in oncology nursing practice.

Purpose/objectives: To introduce nurses to the concept of evidence-based risk models and their use in practice.

Data Sources: Poster presentations at meetings and published articles and books.

Data Synthesis: Evidence-based risk models can be used in many clinical situations to identify patients at higher risk for a particular disease or clinical outcome, such as adverse events. These models may be based on molecular, epidemiologic, clinical, or family information obtained from patients. Risk models also may provide information about the cost-effectiveness of prevention, treatment, or support strategies for specific patients.

Conclusions: Determining the risks of disease- or therapy-related adverse events can help healthcare providers and patients. Risk assessment to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from supportive care can lead to the cost-effective use of these supportive care measures and improved clinical outcomes.

Implications For Nursing: Through awareness of relevant evidence-based risk models, nurses can become more effective in actively managing their patients care. Because of their close and ongoing contact with patients with cancer, oncology nurses are in an ideal position to assess risk factors for adverse events and to use appropriate supportive care for those patients who are at greatest risk.