Macmillan cancer and palliative care specialists: their practice development support needs.

This study explores the practice development support needs of specialist nurses working in cancer and palliative care, in order to assist in the improvement of cancer and palliative care services. Using a whole population survey, postal questionnaires were sent to 1144 Macmillan post holders in England, Scotland and Wales. There was a 75.7% response rate. Three focus groups consisting of a total of 21 respondents were also used as a secondary form of data collection to supplement and expand upon the questionnaire responses. The findings reveal substantial practice development needs, particularly in relation to organizational support and guidance, education support, resources and access to evidence. The study demonstrates that nurses felt unable to engage in improving care unless initiatives were supported in practical ways by their organizations.