Blood Cancer UK Final Report Armoogum Et Al (2025)
Year: 2025
Type: report
Abstract: This report collates insights from published literature, blood cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) and people with lived experience of blood cancer, to provide a deeper understanding of the training and support needs of the blood cancer CNS community and develop a set of training and support recommendations.To meet this aim, we:1) Established a study review group to guide and steer the project2) Reviewed the literature to describe current research, policy and guidelines on the training and support needs of cancer CNSs3) Conducted a nationwide survey with blood cancer CNSs to identify training and support needs and clarify what good training and support means to CNSs4) Used insights gathered from the literature review, data from the survey and discussions with the Study Review Group to develop a draft set of recommendations for training and support for blood cancer CNSs5) Discussed, refined and prioritised the recommendations in online workshop with relevant stakeholders6) Developed a final set of recommendations for training and support for blood cancer CNSsStakeholder consultationConsultation with Blood cancer CNSs, people affected by blood cancer, and relevant stakeholders has been central to this project. We established a Study Review Group, consisting of 12 stakeholders including two blood cancer CNSs working in clinical practice, two cancer clinical practice educators, two public contributors, a representative from Blood Cancer UK and the study research team. The public contributors were people affected by blood cancer, as defined by Blood Cancer UK; this includes patients, carers, family members or friends of someone who has had or has blood cancer. The study review group met three times over the course of the project. In addition, we engaged with a further ten blood cancer nurses and two people affected by blood cancer to pilot the survey, and nine blood cancer CNSs and two people affected by blood cancer participated in the stakeholder workshops. We also engaged and consulted regularly with Blood Cancer UK stakeholders throughout the project. This collaborative approach has enabled the findings and recommendations to be grounded in the needs of blood cancer CNSs working in clinical practice.Key project findings and recommendationsFindings that align across the scoping review, survey with CNSs and workshops with stakeholders identified that:• CNSs require ongoing, disease and therapy specific education, with emphasis on survivorship care, psychosocial support, advanced communication, research, and leadership development.• There is a strong demand for clear, CNS-specific development frameworks and progression routes to support career advancement.• Securing dedicated time and financial support for continuing education remains a major challenge, limiting opportunities for external courses and professional growth.• Education must be accessible and adapted to CNS roles, clinical settings, and varying levels of experience.• Structured mentoring, supervision, and peer networks are essential to help CNSs manage the emotional intensity of their work.• CNS roles are highly valued but often under-resourced, with inconsistent professional titles and grouping alongside other nursing roles.• Partnerships with charities, clinical practice and universities are key enablers for professional and person development.Recommendations to improve the training and support of blood cancer CNSs include:1. Implement Structured Development Pathways: Develop and embed clear induction and progression frameworks, incorporating education and capabilities in clinical knowledge and skills, leadership, and research.2. Secure Protected Learning Time: Advocate for inclusion of study leave and backfill in job plans to enable CNSs to attend training.3. Expand Access to Specialist Education: Increase funding for accredited haematology/oncology courses and conferences, leveraging partnerships with charities and universities.4. Strengthen Emotional and Peer Support: Establish regular clinical supervision, mentoring schemes, and regional CNS networks.5. Enhance Role Clarity: Work with professional societies to define CNS titles and responsibilities, ensuring recognition within multidisciplinary teams.6. Foster Collaborative Partnerships: Coordinate efforts between NHS, charities, and key education providers to share resources and best practice.These steps will help ensure CNSs are equipped to deliver high-quality care to patients and families and will support the recruitment and retention of the blood cancer CNS workforce for the future.
Language: English
Topic: Nursing Roles and Practices
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204304431