A new study from BC Cancer researchers explores how to better support oncology nurses in engaging patients and families in advance care planning (ACP). ACP is a process that encourages patients to reflect on their values and wishes for future health and personal care, and to share those preferences with trusted individuals and their healthcare team. Having these conversations early helps ensure that the care they receive aligns with what matters most to them.
Through a qualitative study involving individual interviews with oncology nurses at all six of BC Cancer’s regional centres, the research findings highlighted several factors that can affect nurses’ abilities to engage in ACP, including limited training, systemic barriers and unclear expectations.
The study was inspired by an observation made by Heather Kilgour, clinical nurse specialist, during her time as a direct-care nurse at BC Cancer – Vancouver and set in motion with guidance from Leah Lambert, senior scientist and nursing research theme lead with the BC Cancer Research Institute.
“Part of our practice as nurses in the ambulatory care unit is to introduce advance care planning to each patient,” says Kilgour. “However, I didn’t feel like I had the knowledge, resources or supports to do that in the best way as ACP is not something we learn a lot about in school and I didn’t learn a lot about it when I first started at BC Cancer. I felt like there was an opportunity to better support nurses and improve patient care.”
The study found that while nurses often recognize the importance of ACP, they need clearer role definitions, enhanced education and stronger organizational support to confidently lead these conversations. The findings underscore the value of structured workflows, interdisciplinary collaboration and leadership support in making ACP a consistent component of oncology care.
