Clinical practice guideline use by oncology advanced practice nurses

Understanding how clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are utilized and the effects of their implementation on outcomes is an important goal. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if oncology advanced practice nurse (APN) interventions provided to men with prostate cancer were consistent with Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research CPGs regarding pain [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (1993). Acute pain management in adults: Operative procedures. Quick reference guide for clinicians number 1a (AHCPR Publication No. 92-0019). Retrieved, February 23, 2002, from National Library of Medicine HSTAT Collection Online http://hstat.nlm.nih.gov/hq/Hquest/screen/TextBrowse/t/1014505163410/s/49764], depressive symptoms [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (1993). Depression in primary care: Detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Quick reference guideline number 5 (AHCPR Publication No. 93-0552). Retrieved, February 23, 2002, from National Library of Medicine HSTAT Collection Online http://hstat.nlm.nih.gov/hq/Hquest/screen/TextBrowse/t/1014506238134/s/49764], and urinary incontinence [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (1996). Managing acute and chronic urinary incontinence. Quick reference guide for clinicians number 2 (1996 update) (AHCPR Publication No. 96-0686). Retrieved, February 23, 2002, from National Library of Medicine HSTAT Collection Online http://hstat.nlm.nih.gov/hq/Hquest/db/local.arahcpr.arquick.cuiq/screen/DocTitle/s/45591] and to evaluate if levels of consistency affected pain, depressive symptom, and incontinence outcomes. Mean levels of consistency between interventions and pain, incontinence guidelines, and depression were 91%, 80%, and 69%, respectively. Consistency did not predict outcomes in this sample. High levels of consistency suggest that oncology APNs are aware of practices outlined in CPGs.