Nurses in MM Care: Crucial Roles Met with Systemic Barriers

Findings presented at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2026 Congress highlight a critical paradox in the management of multiple myeloma (MM): While nurses are indispensable decision-makers and providers of holistic care, they are currently hindered by significant systemic roadblocks, including a lack of specialized training and standardized guidelines.

The study, "Examining the Role of Nurses in Multiple Myeloma (MM) Care: Insights from a European Survey," conducted a structured mapping of nursing responsibilities across five European countries to identify actionable strategies for improving care delivery.

A central but underrecognized role

The survey, which included 60 nurses from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, revealed that nursing professionals are deeply embedded in every stage of the MM patient journey. The participant pool was highly experienced, with a mean of 9.5 years in MM care, and comprised a diverse mix of advanced nurse practitioners (28%), oncology nurses (28%), hematology nurses (27%), and clinical nurse specialists (17%).

At the point of diagnosis, nurses identify as key decision-makers, particularly in patient counseling (72%), providing information and education (67%), and conducting quality-of-life assessments (65%). As the patient transitions into treatment and follow-up, the nursing role shifts toward clinical management, with high involvement in medication preparation (72%) and medication administration (70%).

Furthermore, the study underscored the collaborative nature of oncology nursing. An overwhelming 95% of respondents participate in multidisciplinary teams (MDTs). Within these teams, nurses focus on the human element of care, prioritizing home care (68%), symptom management (67%), and essential psychosocial support (56%).

Identifying the "roadblocks" to care

Despite their central role, nurses reported facing severe roadblocks that limit their ability to provide optimal care. One of the most significant findings was the lack of clinical infrastructure: 52% of nurses reported that existing guidelines for MM nursing are either nonspecific or purely local, leading to inconsistencies in practice across different regions.

Educational gaps also persist. While 60% of participants felt that general nursing education provides a baseline for MM care, over 50% reported a lack of MM-specific training within continuing medical education programs. This suggests a pressing need for specialized curricula that keep pace with the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape of plasma cell disorders.

Systemic pressures and resource constraints

The survey also captured the impact of broader healthcare challenges on the nursing workforce. Staffing shortages were identified as the top barrier by 62% of respondents, followed by hospital capacity and resource pressures (45%). Additionally, 38% of nurses cited a lack of financial incentives for those seeking to specialize in MM care, which may further exacerbate recruitment and retention issues in the field.

These challenges have a direct impact on the clinician’s ability to deliver the "holistic care" they are trained to provide. Nearly all participants (98%) expressed a belief that their role must be better supported by healthcare systems, citing their unique proximity to patients (24%) as a primary reason for increased investment in the profession.

The path forward: Advocacy and standardization

The study’s authors conclude that addressing these gaps is essential for enhancing the patient experience and improving clinical outcomes. The findings advocate for several key interventions:

• Standardized European Guidelines: Developing clear, non-local role definitions to ensure consistent care across borders.
• MM-Specific Training: Implementing specialized educational programs to "unlock the full potential" of frontline oncology nurses.
• Stronger Structural Support: Addressing systemic issues like staffing and financial recognition to bolster the nursing workforce.

For the oncology nursing community, these results serve as both a validation of their central importance in hematologic oncology and a call to action for professional advocacy. As the complexity of multiple myeloma treatment continues to grow, the proximity and expertise of the oncology nurse will remain the cornerstone of patient-centered care.

Reference

1. San Miguel-Arregui M, Barnes Y, Pereira F, Teloniatis S. Examining the role of nurses in multiple myeloma (MM) care: Insights from a European survey. EHA Library. May 12, 2026; 4209889; PB3339.