Abstract
Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) day units are increasingly challenged by workload pressures and workforce shortages. The Registered Nursing Forecasting (RN4CAST) survey, originally developed to predict workforce needs in acute and geriatric inpatient units, was adapted to create the RN4CAST-SACT-D survey specifically for SACT day units. This study aimed to pilot test and evaluate the feasibility of the adapted RN4CAST-SACT-D survey.
A convergent mixed-methods feasibility study was conducted, incorporating an embedded qualitative component through semi-structured interviews. Five SACT day units were invited to participate, with all nurses working on the designated census day invited to complete the RN4CAST-SACT-D survey, followed by a semi-structured interview. Additionally, patients attending for chemotherapy on the census day were invited to complete the Patient-Reported Chemotherapy Indicators of Symptoms and Experience (PR-CISE) survey.
A total of 43 nurses completed the RN4CAST-SACT-D survey, yielding a response rate of 69.3%. Of these, 12 nurses participated in semi-structured interviews. Additionally, 172 patients completed the PR-CISE survey, with a response rate of 50%. The study identified key challenges and provided recommendations to refine the survey methodology, informed by both survey responses and interview insights.
The findings suggest that the RN4CAST-SACT-D survey is a feasible tool for assessing workforce-related factors in SACT day units. While the survey methodology was generally well-received, certain aspects require further refinement and testing to enhance its applicability and effectiveness.
This study highlighted that current staffing levels in SACT day units are largely based on historical data, rather than on present-day needs. This underscores the urgent need for research specifically focused on SACT day unit settings.