The oncology nurse coordinator in Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Specific competencies, activities, and practices for cancer patient care

Introduction: In France, the role of oncology nurse coordinator (infirmière de coordination en cancérologie or IDEC) was developed to facilitate the follow-up of “fragile” patients with complex care histories by enhancing care coordination and ensuring continuity between hospital and community settings. However, this role is currently only described in terms of its four core missions: 1) assessing patient needs; 2) providing information; 3) listening to and supporting patients; and 4) facilitating personalized care pathways. As a result, it is feared that the absence of a precise description will lead to a lack of benchmarks for IDEC practice.

Objectives: The main objective of this study is to identify the professional activities and interventions carried out by IDECs that stem from these four “core” missions, as well as the specific competencies and personal qualities required for this role. Method: This descriptive, cross-sectional study used a multidisciplinary approach, combining quantitative data (questionnaires) and qualitative insights (semi-structured interviews) from IDECs working in the NouvelleAquitaine region. Results: The findings enabled the description of the IDEC population (using socio-demographic and organizational data) and the identification of their professional activities, interventions, skills, roles, values, and characteristics specific to their geographical area of practice. Discussion: These findings notwithstanding, certain questions remain: What is the future of this nursing role in the context of the evolution of the French health system and the emergence of new professions, such as advanced practice nurses ?