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. 2025 Aug 4;29(4):321-327.
doi: 10.1188/25.CJON.321-327.

The Effects of a Clinical Care Model on Quality Process Outcomes in Radiation Oncology

Stephen P Miller  1 , Mirah Jane Murray  2 , Larissa Arreola  3 , Stephanie A Young  4 , Chris Anthony Torralba  5 , Indrin J Chetty  6 , Katelyn M Atkins  7
Affiliations

The Effects of a Clinical Care Model on Quality Process Outcomes in Radiation Oncology

Stephen P Miller et al. Clin J Oncol Nurs. .

Abstract

Background: Nurse engagement is correlated with adequate staffing, top-of-license practice, and a primary nursing model with a nurse leader. In an academic radiation oncology practice lacking primary nursing alignment and top-of-license practice, leadership implemented a clinical care model.

Objectives: This study aimed to improve nursing engagement and quality process outcomes.

Methods: In this quality improvement study, leadership implemented a clinical care model including the establishment of a nurse leader, staffing benchmarks, and a primary nursing model, and redefined responsibilities to support top-of-license practice. The study population included 17 team members (8 physicians, 5 clinic schedulers, and 4 RNs). Surveys were distributed prior to and three months postimplementation.

Findings: Postimplementation, patient rooming by RNs decreased, documentation of side effect education increased, and all RNs reported top-of-license practice often/always. Physicians reported improvement in moderate/strong ratings for RN and clinic scheduler expertise and nursing care quality. These results suggest that enhanced clinical care models can improve quality process outcomes in radiation oncology.

Keywords: nurse engagement; nurse retention; physician engagement; radiation oncology.

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