Survey questionnaire
Demographic Information
Please indicate in which US state you currently practice
Please state your age
<30 31–40 41–50 51–60 61+
Please state your gender
Male Female Non-binary Other
Please select your educational background in nursing:
Bachelor (BSN) Associate degree (AD) Diploma
Undergraduate degree (e.g., BA, BS in another field) Master’s degree in nursing Doctoral degree in nursing
Please specify your role:
Please specify the number of years in your current role:
<1 year 1–5 years 5–10 years >10 years
Please specify your practice type (please select all that apply):
Academic/Urban Hospital Community Hospital NCI (National Cancer Institute) designated Cancer Center Infusion Center Academic Institution Outpatient Oncology Clinic Other (please specify) [Free text]
Please specify your principal patient population:
Please specify the approximate number of patients who receive cancer treatment under your care per week:
1–5 patients 5–10 patients 10–15 patients 15–20 patients More than 20 patients
What types of gastrointestinal cancer do you treat? Select all relevant choices.
[Will not appear if participants select final option to Q8]
Approximately, what percentage of the patients you see each year have gastrointestinal cancer?
0–10% 10–25% 25–50% 50–75% More than 75%
Section 1: Role in Treatment Management
Treatment Selection Process & Treatment Adjustments:
Do you participate in tumor board meetings?
In your role as an oncology nurse, to what extent do you collaborate with oncologists in making treatment-related decisions?
Extensively collaborate on every patient’s treatment plan Collaborate when requested by the oncologist Provide input but primarily follow the oncologist’s recommendations Rarely or never involved in treatment decisions Prescribe supportive medication
Do you have a responsibility to explain to or educate the patient regarding their disease? How do you find that experience?
Yes, I explain it and find it rewarding Yes, I explain it but find it challenging No, oncologists handle this aspect I don’t interact directly with patients
Managing Treatment Compliance:
In your role as an oncology nurse, what strategies do you use to support patients in adhering to their treatment regimens for cancers? Select all that apply
Provide patient education and resources Offer emotional support and counselling Collaborate with caregivers for assistance Monitor and address side effects proactively Make referrals to specialty care (such as High-risk genetics, palliative care, nutrition, survivorship, etc.) Other (please specify) [Free text]
How has the role of oncology nurses in promoting treatment compliance evolved over the past few years? Please consider both oral treatment and scheduling compliance. Select all that apply.
Role has not evolved in the past few years [EXCLUSIVE RESPONSE] More emphasis on patient education and empowerment Integration of technology for medication reminders Enhanced communication and follow-up with patients Greater focus on personalized treatment plans Other (please specify) [Free text]
Toxicity Management:
In your role as an oncology nurse, how do you contribute to the management of treatment-related toxicities in patients with cancers? Select all that apply.
Monitor and assess side effects regularly Telephone triage when patients call with a problem Prescribe supportive care and medications Educate patients on symptom management Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for solutions Other (please specify) [Free text]
How has the approach to toxicity management by oncology nurses evolved in recent times? Select all that apply.
Approach to toxicity management has not evolved in recent times [EXCLUSIVE RESPONSE] More proactive monitoring and intervention Increased use of evidence-based guidelines Patient-centered care with shared decision-making Emphasis on minimizing treatment interruptions Use of symptom management pathways Other (please specify) [Free text]
Did you encounter specific challenges in managing treatment toxicities during the COVID-19 pandemic? If yes, select all that apply.
No [PROGRAMMING–EXCLUSIVE OPTION] Limited in-person visits Delays in addressing side effects Increased patient anxiety and distress Difficulty accessing necessary resources Overall treatment delay Other (please specify) [Free text]
Quality of Life Management:
How do oncology nurses assess and address patients’ Quality of Life concerns with cancers during their treatment journey? Select all that apply.
Regularly assess physical and emotional well-being Offer supportive services like counselling and palliative care Facilitate patient support groups and resources Collaborate with patients to set Quality of Life goals Empower patients to self-advocate Other (please specify) [Free text]
Have you noticed any changes in the emphasis on addressing patients’ Quality of Life since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic? Select all that apply.
No changes in addressing Quality of Life since onset of the COVID-19 pandemic [EXCLUSIVE RESPONSE] Increased focus on mental health and emotional support Greater use of telehealth for Quality-of-Life assessments Enhanced communication with patients and families Recognition of the importance of holistic care Other (please specify) [Free text]
How do nurses play a role in end-of-life discussions and/or anticipatory planning? Select all that apply
No role in end-of-life discussions and/or anticipatory planning [EXCLUSIVE RESPONSE] Initiate sensitive conversations about patients’ wishes Facilitate and discuss advanced care planning (health care proxy, medical orders for life-sustaining treatment discussions) Collaborate with palliative care teams Provide emotional support and guidance to patients and families Other (please specify) [Free text]
Section 2: Evolution Since COVID-19
Impact of COVID-19:
In which ways has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the daily responsibilities and workload of oncology nurses treating cancer patients?
Workload significantly increased Workload increased to a certain extent Workload decreased Workload stayed about the same
Telehealth and Virtual Care:
To what extent did telehealth and virtual care methods become a part of your practice in caring for patients with cancers during the pandemic?
The use of these methods significantly increased The use of these methods increased to a certain extent The use of these methods decreased The use of these methods stayed about the same
How do you anticipate the role of telehealth evolving in the oncology nursing profession moving forward?
It will significantly increase It will increase somewhat It will decrease It will stay about the same
Future Evolution:
From your perspective, how do you envision the role of oncology nurses in the management of patients with cancers evolving in the next 2–3 years?
[Free text]
Are there any specific skills or knowledge areas that you believe will become increasingly important for oncology nurses in the near future?
[Free text]
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experiences as an oncology nurse in the context of managing patients with cancers and navigating the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic?
[Free text]
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