The Evolving Role of Oncology Nurses in Clinical Trials
Mariefel Vendivil discusses the evolving role of oncology nurses in clinical trials, highlighting patient education, teamwork and emerging technologies.
Oncology nurses play a critical role in the success of clinical trials, balancing patient care, safety and research responsibilities in an increasingly complex treatment landscape. As clinical trial designs evolve and new technologies emerge, nurses remain at the forefront of patient education, coordination and support.
To better understand these responsibilities and challenges, we spoke with oncology nurse Mariefel Vendivil of Hackensack Meridian Health John Theurer Cancer Center, who shared insights on the evolving role of oncology nurses in clinical trial management, the importance of patient communication and the need for a strong, collaborative care approach.
Cure: How do you see the role of oncology nurses evolving in the management of clinical trials, especially in the context of patient care and safety?
Vendivil : The role is becoming increasingly specialized. Oncology nurses involved in clinical trials are not only providing patient care, but also functioning as research nurses. That means having a strong understanding of the disease, its pathophysiology and the treatments being studied, as well as the specifics of each clinical trial. It’s critical to balance clinical care responsibilities with research knowledge to ensure patient safety and adherence to study protocols.
What are some common challenges oncology nurses face when managing clinical trials, and how can they be addressed to improve patient outcomes?
One of the biggest challenges is patient education. Many patients are not familiar with clinical trials and may have misconceptions, such as feeling like they are being treated as “guinea pigs.” This can make enrollment difficult. Nurses need to be well informed about both the disease and the trial in order to clearly explain its purpose and potential benefits. In settings like bone marrow transplant, this challenge is even greater because patients are already overwhelmed by the complexity of their treatment. Adding research discussions on top of that requires careful communication and sensitivity.
How important is patient education in clinical trials, and what strategies do you recommend for oncology nurses to effectively communicate trial information to patients?
Patient education is extremely important. Nurses need to be well versed in both the clinical trial and the disease they are treating. Beyond knowledge, communication style matters. It’s important not to pressure patients but to give them time to consider their options, as participation is voluntary. A helpful approach is to emphasize that many current treatments exist because of prior trial participants. As one perspective shared with patients: “We are all standing on someone else’s shoulders,” highlighting the role of clinical trials in advancing care.
Can you discuss the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in clinical trial management and how oncology nurses can foster better teamwork among healthcare professionals?
Collaboration is essential. Clinical trial management involves multiple team members, including physicians, case managers, insurance coordinators and nursing staff. Oncology nurses play a key role in coordinating communication across these groups. Building relationships and taking a personalized approach—rather than relying solely on emails—can improve teamwork and ultimately support better patient care.
What recent advancements in clinical trial methodologies do you believe will significantly impact the role of oncology nurses in the future?
Advances such as artificial intelligence (AI) are beginning to influence clinical trial processes, including patient screening. However, while technology can improve efficiency, it cannot replace the human element of care. The personal connection between nurses and patients remains critical, particularly when discussing trial participation. Patients often develop strong relationships with research nurses, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a human-centered approach alongside technological advancements.
What resources or support systems do you recommend for oncology nurses to enhance their skills and knowledge in clinical trial management?
Ongoing education and self-motivation are key. Nurses should take advantage of opportunities to learn about their trials and stay up to date on evolving treatments. Institutional support, such as dedicated team members who assist with administrative tasks, can help nurses focus more on patient care and education. Ultimately, success in this role depends on a willingness to continuously learn and adapt, as clinical research is constantly evolving.
Transcript edited for clarity and conciseness
