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Advanced practice providers play increasing role in oncology care team
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Advanced practice providers have become an integral part of the oncology care team to help address the increasing number of patients and survivors, according to survey results.
The survey — conducted through joint efforts of ASCO, American Academy of PAs (AAPA), Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology, Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology, and Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) — identified at least 5,350 APPs in oncology, although researchers estimated the number may actually be as high as 7,000.
“Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are critical health care providers in the delivery of quality cancer care,” Brenda Nevidjon, MSN, RN, FAAN, CEO of ONS, said in a press release. “This survey is the first step toward better understanding their roles, needs and challenges in today’s oncology care environment.”
Data from ASCO’s annual Practice Census showed the number of oncology practices in the United States who reported employing APPs increased from 52% in 2014 to 81% in 2017.
Despite the increasing role of APPs in oncology practice, little research has been conducted on this group.
“As the number of individuals with cancer and cancer survivors in the United States continues to grow, APPs have become increasingly important to ensuring patient access to high-quality cancer care,” ASCO President Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, FASCO, said in the release. “This new study provides an important benchmark to understanding their critical role on the cancer care delivery team.”
A total of 577 APPs (89% white, 94% women) responded to the survey, equating to a 19% response rate. Researchers focused their analysis on data from 540 physician assistants and nurse practitioners.
More than 90% of respondents reported satisfaction with their career choice.
Eighty percent of physician assistants and nurse practitioners reported they spent most of their time in direct patient care through patient counseling, prescribing, treatment management and follow-up visits.
Across specialties, 65% to 85% of APPs reported a combination of independent and shared visits; only a small percentage reported shared visits only. However, APPs who practiced in independent models — meaning they typically see patients alone but work with a care team to address critical care decisions — reported the highest level of professional satisfaction.
The respondents reported average annual compensation between $113,000 and $115,000, which researchers noted is about $10,000 higher than average pay for APPs outside of oncology.
Men eared about 7% more than their female counterparts, even after adjusting for factors such as years of experience and hours worked.
Two-thirds of APPs reported satisfaction with their pay.
“This study is yet another affirmation of the value that APPs bring to the table, specifically in a specialty like oncology where collaboration leads to stronger health care teams and better patient care,” Jonathan E. Sobel, PA-C, DMSc, MBA, DFAAPA, FAPACVS, AAPA president and chair of the board of directors, said in the release. – by Alexandra Todak
Disclosures: HemOnc Today could not confirm the authors’ relevant financial disclosures at the time of reporting.
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