The Institute of Medicine Report on High-Quality Cancer Care: Implications for Oncology Nursing

Purpose/Objectives: To present key recommendations from a recently released Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on high-quality cancer care.

Data Sources: The recommendations were derived from the IOM report Delivering High-Quality Cancer Care: Charting a New Course for a System in Crisis.

Data Synthesis: The authors reviewed each of the recommendations to identify implications for oncology nurses.

Conclusions: Nurses will play a vital role in the future design and delivery of high-quality cancer care.

Implications for Nursing: Oncology nurses should use the IOM recommendations in their settings to prepare for the delivery of oncology care amidst health system challenges, including an aging society.

Knowledge Translation: The IOM recommendations identify key areas of concern to nurses. Key aspects of nursing practice, including involvement in advanced care planning, patient-centered care, and evidence-based practice, are essential for high-quality care. Oncology nurses will be centrally involved in healthcare innovations, such as rapid learning systems, and as key members of a well-trained workforce.