Nurse and pharmacist systemic anti-cancer therapy review clinics and their impact on patient experience and care: A systematic review

AimTo review the evidence of how nurse and pharmacist roles have been incorporated into the management of patients undergoing systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) services and their impact on patient experience and care provision. DesignSystematic Review. Data SourcesSeven databases were searched on 10 April 2022. Review MethodsResearch studies that met defined inclusion criteria were included. Quantitative findings were converted into textual descriptions and combined with qualitative results for thematic analysis. Data were categorized and aggregated into themes. Heterogeneity of studies meant meta-analysis was not possible. ResultsFifteen papers were included. Three main themes were identified: advanced clinical practice (ACP) SACT service development; ACP skills and qualifications; and the impact of ACP SACT services on patient care and outcomes. There is a variation in tasks undertaken by nurses and pharmacists and role integration is restricted by limited physician engagement. Role titles used and skills and qualifications acquired differ and professional autonomy is variable. Qualitative studies were limited. ConclusionEvidence of how nursing and pharmacist ACP roles are implemented, what skills are essential and how roles are impacting patient experience and outcomes is limited. More research is required to explore patient and physician experience of, and satisfaction with multi-professional care, alongside further evaluation of clinical delivery models.