Regulatory landscape for pediatric hematology-oncology nursing in Brazil: document analysis of policies and regulations.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze Brazil's national policies and regulations related to pediatric hematology-oncology nursing in Brazil and identify key areas for improvement.

Methods: Using the READ approach, relevant policies and regulations were systematically examined. The method consists of four phases: readying materials, extracting data, analyzing data, and distilling findings. Qualitative analysis used both inductive and deductive approaches to identify themes.

Results: The review included 25 documents: 11 regulatory, 11 governmental (including one national and two state plans), and three educational documents. Two main themes emerged: nursing-related regulations and national plans. Although Brazil has a strong nursing regulatory framework, responsive policies and regulations are needed to address the changing pediatric hematology-oncology landscape. Key areas for improvement include training more registered nurses, updating graduate programs to address early cancer signs in children, improving staffing and skill mix, enhancing nursing competencies, implementing continuing professional development requirements, and ensuring availability of resources. Recommendations highlight the roles of nursing regulations, governmental bodies, nursing associations, pediatric hematology-oncology centers, and nurses.

Conclusions: Nurses are vital to health care systems and it is important to harness their full potential. We need a strong national strategy and effective regulations to recognize the contributions of nurses and meet the evolving needs of pediatric hematology-oncology patients in Brazil.