Oncology Nursing Dissertation Topics

Cancer care moves fast, and oncology nurses are at the center of that pace. We at TopicSuggestions see how dissertations in this field can shape better symptom control, safer treatments, fairer access, and stronger patient–family support across settings. Today we will share focused, research‑ready oncology nursing dissertation ideas you can adapt to your clinic, ward, or community project.

Dissertation Topics related to Oncology Nursing

We will map topics by theme—symptom management and supportive care, treatment safety and adherence, patient education and communication, palliative care and survivorship, health equity and global practice, technology and data, workforce and education, policy and quality improvement, ethics, and pediatric/AYA oncology—so you can scan quickly and pick a direction that fits your interests and methods. After this introduction comes the list.

1. Closed-loop, biosignal-responsive ambient soundscapes at home and anxiety regulation

We will test whether closed-loop, biosignal-responsive ambient soundscapes in homes reduce generalized anxiety symptoms more than static curated playlists.
We will examine how algorithmic adaptivity (latency, sensitivity, transparency) shapes perceived agency and therapeutic alliance with the system.
We will identify neurotype-specific response patterns (e.g., ADHD, autism) to dynamic auditory environments.
We will model whether over-personalization induces an uncanny-valley effect that backfires on mood regulation.

2. Algorithmic grocery substitutions and the mental health of consumers with dietary constraints

We will quantify acute stress and perceived control following algorithmic grocery substitutions among individuals with dietary constraints.
We will test whether real-time explainability and opt-out affordances mitigate rumination and irritability.
We will examine downstream meal satisfaction as a mediator between substitution events and next-day mood variability.
We will analyze whether repeated substitution exposure contributes to learned helplessness in food-insecure households.

3. Neighborhood drone logistics exposure and community mental health

We will estimate dose–response relationships between neighborhood drone traffic density and diurnal cortisol rhythms.
We will test whether anticipatory alerts about drone routes buffer or amplify anxiety and sleep disturbance.
We will examine perceived privacy intrusion as a moderator of noise-related distress.
We will map inequities in drone-related mental health burden across socioeconomic strata.

4. Augmented-reality wayfinding overlays as scaffolds for agoraphobia exposure therapy

We will test whether minimalist AR wayfinding cues during in vivo exposures accelerate agoraphobia remission compared to standard CBT alone.
We will evaluate whether remote clinician telecoaching layered onto AR support improves adherence without increasing attentional load.
We will assess the risk that AR cues become safety behaviors that impede extinction learning.
We will track relapse rates over six months to model durability of AR-augmented gains.

5. Digital time capsules to one’s future self and intertemporal self-continuity in depression

We will test whether sending and receiving time-delayed messages to oneself enhances intertemporal self-continuity and reduces depressive hopelessness.
We will examine how message content valence and temporal delay length interact to influence rumination.
We will assess whether co-creating messages with close others amplifies benefits or introduces anticipatory anxiety.
We will explore ethical and privacy perceptions as predictors of engagement and outcomes.

6. Houseplant microbiomes, indoor VOCs, and resident anxiety

We will test whether inoculating houseplants with specific microbial consortia alters VOC profiles and reduces resident anxiety and cortisol.
We will examine seasonal variation and ventilation as moderators of plant–VOC–mood pathways.
We will assess whether tactile plant-care routines confound or mediate observed effects.
We will profile individual chemosensory sensitivity as a predictor of response.

7. Crypto wallet loss anxiety and compulsive checking behaviors

We will characterize “crypto wallet loss anxiety” and its relationship to compulsive balance-checking and sleep disturbance.
We will test whether UI features (delayed confirmations, periodic safety attestations, social recovery status) reduce checking frequency and anxiety.
We will examine co-occurrence with intolerance of uncertainty and OCD-spectrum traits.
We will model market volatility as an exogenous shock to within-person anxiety trajectories.

8. Participating in mutual-aid logistics during disasters and volunteer mental health

We will test whether participating in map-based mutual-aid logistics during disasters reduces helplessness and improves post-event growth.
We will evaluate burnout and vicarious trauma as functions of network centrality and task load.
We will examine design nudges (rotations, cooldowns, gratitude prompts) that sustain wellbeing without reducing efficacy.
We will compare outcomes between organizers, couriers, and dispatchers to identify role-specific risks.

9. Automatic meeting summarization and perceived inclusion among neurodivergent employees

We will test whether automatic meeting transcripts and summaries improve perceived inclusion and reduce anxiety among neurodivergent employees.
We will assess cognitive load and masking behaviors before and after deployment of summarization tools.
We will evaluate privacy perceptions and trust as determinants of sustained use and wellbeing gains.
We will quantify trade-offs between productivity metrics and mental health indicators.

10. Street-level LED billboard luminance dynamics, adolescent sleep architecture, and mood

We will model how dynamic luminance and spectral composition of LED billboards intruding into bedrooms disrupt sleep architecture in adolescents.
We will test window treatments and municipal dimming policies as interventions to restore sleep and mood.
We will examine chronotype and light sensitivity as moderators of susceptibility.
We will use wearable EEG and ecological momentary assessment to link nocturnal disruption to next-day affect.

11. Olfactory design in chemotherapy suites: Can deliberate ambient scent reduce patient nausea and improve nurse well‑being?

Research questions: 1) We ask whether specific scent profiles delivered during infusion reduce self‑reported and physiologic nausea in adult chemotherapy patients; 2) We ask whether those scents modulate nurse stress and perceived workload during infusion shifts; 3) We ask what scent delivery schedules optimize patient benefit without causing staff olfactory fatigue. Overview: We will design a randomized crossover trial across infusion chairs, enroll patients receiving emetogenic chemotherapy, and collect patient nausea scores, wearable physiologic data, and nurse stress surveys. We will use mixed‑effects models to compare conditions and run focus groups with nursing staff to refine implementation protocols.

12. Predictive fatigue phenotyping using continuous wearable data to guide real‑time nursing interventions for chemotherapy‑related fatigue.

Research questions: 1) We ask whether multimodal wearable signals (activity, HRV, sleep) can predict clinically meaningful fatigue exacerbations 24–72 hours ahead; 2) We ask how nurse‑led real‑time interventions triggered by those predictions affect fatigue trajectories and function; 3) We ask which algorithm thresholds balance sensitivity and false alarms acceptable to nurses. Overview: We will build a prospective cohort with continuous wearables, develop and validate predictive models, then pilot an N‑of‑1 nurse‑intervention protocol where nurses receive alerts and deliver standardized interventions; we will evaluate prediction performance, intervention uptake, patient outcomes, and nurse acceptability using time‑series and implementation frameworks.

13. Fertility preservation counseling practices by oncology nurses for gender‑diverse young adults: negotiation, gaps, and co‑created tools.

Research questions: 1) We ask how oncology nurses currently negotiate fertility preservation conversations with transgender and nonbinary young adults; 2) We ask what structural and knowledge gaps prevent equitable counseling; 3) We ask whether a co‑created toolkit improves nurse confidence and patient decision quality. Overview: We will conduct qualitative interviews with nurses and gender‑diverse patients, map barriers, co‑design a culturally‑adapted toolkit with participatory methods, and then pilot a pre/post evaluation measuring nurse knowledge, self‑efficacy, and patient decisional outcomes using validated scales.

14. Microlearning mobile modules for early identification of immune‑related adverse events (irAEs): effect on nurse detection accuracy and time‑to‑treatment.

Research questions: 1) We ask whether brief spaced microlearning modules increase bedside nurses’ accuracy in identifying early irAEs; 2) We ask whether module deployment shortens time from symptom onset to nurse‑initiated escalation; 3) We ask which module design features maximize retention and real‑world use. Overview: We will co‑develop 5–7 minute microlearning units, randomize inpatient oncology units to receive modules versus usual education, and measure detection accuracy via vignettes, real case audits for time‑to‑treatment, and user analytics; we will analyze effect sizes and conduct usability interviews.

15. Nurse‑led teleoncology peer navigation for rural patients: clinical outcomes, equity, and cost‑effectiveness.

Research questions: 1) We ask whether a nurse‑led teleoncology peer navigation program improves adherence to treatment and symptom control among rural patients; 2) We ask whether the program reduces geographic disparities in supportive care access; 3) We ask what the cost per quality‑adjusted life year (QALY) is for scale‑up. Overview: We will implement a pragmatic cluster randomized trial across rural clinics comparing nurse‑led navigation versus usual telemedicine, measure clinical and equity outcomes, and perform a health economic analysis using routinely collected data and patient‑reported outcomes.

16. Delivering brief narrative‑existential interventions by oncology nurses to reduce advanced cancer patients’ end‑of‑life distress: feasibility and mechanism mapping.

Research questions: 1) We ask whether a single‑session narrative‑existential intervention delivered by trained nurses reduces proximal measures of meaning distress and demoralization; 2) We ask which elements (storytelling, legacy activity, meaning framing) mediate outcomes; 3) We ask what training intensity nurses require to deliver the intervention with fidelity. Overview: We will adapt a manualized brief intervention for nurse delivery, run a feasibility RCT with mechanistic questionnaires and qualitative exit interviews, and use mediation analysis to map active components and training needs.

17. Behavioral‑design nudges in nursing handoffs to reduce central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in oncology wards.

Research questions: 1) We ask whether simple behavioral nudges (checklists framed as team commitments, visual reminders, default checklist completion) increase adherence to central line care during handoffs; 2) We ask whether increased adherence reduces CLABSI rates; 3) We ask how nurses perceive and adapt to the nudges over time. Overview: We will co‑design low‑cost nudges using behavioral economics with frontline nurses, implement a stepped‑wedge trial across oncology units, track process measures (checklist completion) and CLABSI incidence, and evaluate sustainment with mixed methods.

18. Integration of AI symptom‑triage decision support in oncology nursing workflows: effects on nurse autonomy, trust, and triage accuracy.

Research questions: 1) We ask how integrating an explainable AI triage tool affects nurse decision accuracy and speed compared with standard protocols; 2) We ask how perceived autonomy and trust in the system evolve with use; 3) We ask which explainability features increase appropriate reliance without deskilling. Overview: We will run a simulation‑based experiment with nurses using vignettes and live calls, randomize explainability levels, measure triage performance and psychological scales for autonomy/trust, and follow with a small real‑world pilot to observe behavioral adoption and unintended consequences.

19. Oncology nursing sustainability practices: do green care initiatives influence patient safety, infection control, and staff burnout?

Research questions: 1) We ask whether implementing targeted sustainable practices (single‑use reduction, non‑toxic cleaning, energy improvements) affects patient safety metrics in oncology units; 2) We ask whether such practices influence nurse burnout and perceived job meaning; 3) We ask what operational trade‑offs and cost implications arise in high‑acuity oncology settings. Overview: We will use a comparative interrupted‑time‑series design in units adopting sustainability bundles versus matched controls, measure safety (infections, medication errors), staff burnout surveys, and conduct cost‑benefit and thematic analyses of staff interviews.

20. The role of oncology nurses in managing patient crowdfunding and digital fundraising: ethical challenges, psychosocial impact, and protocol development.

Research questions: 1) We ask how frequently oncology nurses encounter patient crowdfunding and what practical roles they currently play; 2) We ask what ethical, privacy, and psychosocial issues arise for patients, families, and nurses; 3) We ask whether structured nursing protocols can mitigate harms and support patient agency. Overview: We will perform a mixed‑methods study starting with a cross‑sectional survey of oncology nurses, followed by case studies of patients who crowdfund, stakeholder interviews, and co‑development of a pragmatic nursing guideline; we will evaluate guideline acceptability and preliminary effects on patient distress and confidentiality incidents.

21. Nurse-led protocols for managing immunotherapy-induced dermatologic toxicities in rural outpatient oncology clinics

We propose to ask: What is the incidence and severity pattern of dermatologic immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in rural outpatient populations? How effective is a standardized nurse-led assessment and management protocol in reducing symptom severity and unnecessary referrals? What barriers do nurses face in implementing the protocol and how does it affect patient-reported quality of life?
We will work on this via a mixed-methods stepped-wedge implementation trial: develop the protocol with dermatology input, train rural oncology nurses, collect prospective patient symptom scores and referral rates, and perform qualitative interviews with nurses and patients to identify barriers and facilitators. We will analyze clinical outcomes with time-series methods and thematic analysis for qualitative data.

22. Culturally tailored virtual reality (VR) distraction for reducing procedural anxiety during central line dressing changes in adolescent oncology patients

We ask: Does a culturally tailored VR intervention delivered by nurses reduce procedural anxiety compared with standard distraction? How acceptable and feasible is nurse administration of VR in busy infusion centers? Which cultural elements most influence efficacy among diverse adolescents?
We will conduct a randomized pilot trial where nurses deliver brief VR sessions during dressing changes, measure pre/post anxiety (self-report and heart rate), gather acceptability surveys from patients and nurses, and use focus groups to refine cultural tailoring. We will assess feasibility metrics (setup time, device cleaning, adverse events) and estimate effect sizes for a larger trial.

23. Wearable biosensor-integrated nurse dashboards using machine learning to predict and prevent chemotherapy-related symptom exacerbations

We ask: Can physiologic signals from wearables predict imminent symptom exacerbations (e.g., severe nausea, dehydration, febrile neutropenia) with clinically useful lead time? How does integrating alerts into a nurse-facing dashboard change triage decisions and unplanned acute care use? What are nurse perceptions of trust and workflow impact?
We will pilot a prospective cohort where patients wear biosensors; we will develop and validate ML models to predict symptom events, integrate predictions into a nurse dashboard with actionable protocols, and compare rates of unplanned ED visits before and after dashboard use. We will gather mixed-methods feedback from nursing staff and perform ROC and decision-curve analyses.

24. Nurse-facilitated brief narrative exposure interventions for sleep disturbance in bereaved caregivers after cancer death

We ask: Does a brief narrative exposure intervention delivered by trained oncology nurses reduce insomnia severity and prolonged grief symptoms in bereaved caregivers compared with usual bereavement resources? What training and supervision do nurses require to deliver this safely?
We will run a small randomized controlled feasibility trial where nurses deliver 4–6 sessions of structured narrative exposure, measure sleep via actigraphy and ISI (Insomnia Severity Index), and assess grief and functional outcomes at 3 and 6 months. We will monitor fidelity and adverse events, and develop a nurse training manual based on outcomes and supervision logs.

25. De-implementation of routine low-value laboratory testing in inpatient hematology-oncology units led by bedside nurses

We ask: Can nurse-led de-implementation strategies reduce routine daily lab ordering without increasing missed clinical deterioration? What behavioral and systemic barriers sustain low-value lab practices? Which nurse-driven tactics (audit-and-feedback, default order set changes, bedside prompting) are most effective?
We will apply an implementation science framework (e.g., CFIR) and use Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles across units: collect baseline lab utilization and patient-safety outcomes, implement nurse-led interventions sequentially, and use interrupted time series to assess changes. We will complement quantitative metrics with qualitative interviews exploring cultural resistance and enabling factors.

26. Guided expressive writing facilitated by oncology nurses to mitigate chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment (chemobrain)

We ask: Does a structured, nurse-guided expressive writing program improve objective cognitive performance and subjective cognitive complaints in patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy? Are changes associated with inflammatory biomarkers or cortisol patterns?
We will design a randomized pilot where nurses deliver brief weekly guided expressive writing sessions during routine visits; we will assess neuropsychological performance, patient-reported cognitive function, and collect blood/saliva for cytokines and cortisol pre/post intervention. We will train nurses in delivery, monitor adherence, and use mixed-effects models to examine cognitive trajectories and biomarker correlations.

27. How oncology nurses mediate end-of-life decision-making with patients who have limited health literacy

We ask: What communication strategies do experienced oncology nurses use to elicit preferences and support decision-making among low–health-literacy patients? How do these strategies affect decision quality, concordance with documented goals, and surrogate understanding?
We will conduct an ethnographic study with audio-recorded nurse-patient-family interactions, followed by in-depth interviews with nurses and surrogates. We will code communication behaviors (teach-back, plain language, visual aids), assess decision quality instruments, and develop a pragmatic training module for nurses that will be iteratively refined using stakeholder feedback.

28. Micro-learning mobile modules for rapid upskilling of oncology nurses in recognition and management of rare oncologic emergencies

We ask: Do brief, case-based micro-learning modules delivered via mobile devices improve nurse knowledge retention, simulation performance, and time-to-recognition for rare emergencies (e.g., tumor lysis syndrome, spinal cord compression)? What is the optimal cadence and content length?
We will implement a stepped-wedge trial across hospital units where nurses receive micro-learning bursts; we will measure knowledge pre/post, performance in high-fidelity simulations (time-to-recognition, correct interventions), and monitor real-world response times via incident reports. We will analyze retention curves and learner analytics to optimize module scheduling.

29. Standardized aromatherapy protocols administered by oncology nurses to prevent anticipatory nausea in pediatric chemotherapy

We ask: Does a standardized aromatherapy protocol (specific oil, dosage, timing) administered by nurses reduce anticipatory nausea frequency/intensity in pediatric patients compared with sham? What are age-appropriate delivery methods and safety considerations?
We will conduct a double-blind randomized trial with pediatric oncology patients, train nurses to administer standardized inhalation protocols before infusion, measure anticipatory nausea with validated pediatric scales, and monitor for adverse reactions. We will include qualitative interviews with children and parents to assess acceptability and refine dosing protocols.

30. Peer-supported nurse navigator models to reduce treatment non-adherence among socioeconomically disadvantaged rural cancer patients

We ask: Does adding peer supporters (trained community members) to nurse navigator teams improve appointment adherence, chemotherapy completion rates, and reduce no-shows compared with nurse navigation alone? What are cost and scalability implications?
We will perform a comparative effectiveness study using propensity-matched cohorts across rural clinics: implement a pilot peer-supported navigator model, track adherence metrics, hospital utilization, and patient-reported barriers, and conduct economic modeling for cost-effectiveness. We will collect process data to assess integration challenges and sustainability.

31. Nurse-led wearable-sensor protocol to predict early chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in ambulatory patients

We propose a study to develop and test a nursing protocol that integrates wearable physiological sensors with symptom-reported data to predict neutropenia before routine lab draws.
We ask: (1) Can continuous heart rate variability, skin temperature, and activity patterns combined with nurse-collected symptom scores predict grade 3–4 neutropenia 24–72 hours before bloodwork? (2) Does nurse-led interpretation and preemptive intervention reduce emergency visits and infection rates?
We will design a prospective cohort with wearable devices, daily e-reported symptoms, and parallel CBC monitoring; we will develop predictive models with time-series analysis and train nurses on an escalation algorithm for preemptive antimicrobial or clinic review.

32. Oncology nursing communication strategies to reduce immunotherapy-related misinformation on social media among patients and caregivers

We propose evaluating targeted nursing communication strategies to counteract specific immunotherapy misinformation circulating on social media.
We ask: (1) Which nurse-led messaging formats (short videos, myth-busting posts, moderated Q&A) most effectively change patient beliefs and intent? (2) Can a nurse-moderated social media microintervention reduce risky self-management behaviors?
We will perform a mixed-methods intervention: map prevalent misinformation, co-design messages with oncology nurses and patient advisors, implement randomized exposure among patient-caregiver dyads, and measure belief change, self-reported behaviors, and engagement metrics over 3 months.

33. Nursing assessment of cumulative financial toxicity trajectories and their effect on adherence to oral targeted therapies

We propose to characterize how nursing-led financial toxicity screening over time influences adherence to expensive oral oncologic agents.
We ask: (1) How do longitudinal financial toxicity profiles identified by nurses predict medication nonadherence or dose delays? (2) Does a nurse-driven, rapid-benefit-navigation intervention improve adherence and clinical outcomes?
We will implement routine nurse-administered financial toxicity scales at each visit, link to pharmacy refill and clinical data, and run a stepped-wedge trial introducing rapid nurse navigation (prior authorization support, copay assistance) to evaluate changes in adherence and progression-free survival proxies.

34. Culturally adapted survivorship nursing pathways for gender-diverse young adult cancer survivors

We propose co-created survivorship care pathways led by oncology nurses tailored for transgender and non-binary young adults.
We ask: (1) What survivorship needs do gender-diverse survivors prioritize when identified through nurse-led assessment? (2) Does a nurse-delivered, culturally adapted survivorship pathway improve mental health, hormone therapy continuity, and screening adherence?
We will use community-based participatory methods to design the pathway, pilot it in outpatient clinics with nurse coordinators, and evaluate outcomes via mixed quantitative (validated scales, adherence rates) and qualitative interviews.

35. Nursing intervention to reduce implicit racial bias in cancer pain assessment using real-time decision support and reflective debriefing

We propose testing whether combining point-of-care decision support with structured nursing reflective debriefs reduces racial disparities in cancer pain management.
We ask: (1) Does real-time, objective pain-assessment prompts plus suggested analgesic options change prescription patterns by race? (2) Do facilitated nurse reflection sessions sustain equitable pain management behaviors?
We will randomize nursing units to receive an EHR-integrated pain-assessment decision aid plus monthly facilitated debriefs; we will analyze analgesic prescribing, patient-reported pain outcomes, and measure implicit bias changes via validated tools over 6–12 months.

36. Nurse-facilitated home-based photovoice to identify environmental triggers of symptom exacerbation in lung cancer patients

We propose using a nurse-facilitated photovoice method for patients to document home environmental factors that exacerbate dyspnea and cough.
We ask: (1) What modifiable household exposures do patients identify that nurses can target with pragmatic interventions? (2) Does a nurse-led intervention informed by photovoice reduce symptom burden and acute clinic visits?
We will train nurses to guide patients in a 4-week photovoice project, perform thematic analysis of images and narratives, co-design tailored mitigation plans (air filters, humidity control, smoking cessation), and evaluate symptom trajectories and healthcare utilization.

37. Evaluating a nurse-led deprescribing protocol for polypharmacy in advanced cancer palliative care

We propose developing and testing a structured nurse-led deprescribing protocol to reduce medication burden while preserving quality of life in advanced cancer patients.
We ask: (1) Can trained oncology palliative nurses safely identify deprescribing candidates and implement changes in collaboration with prescribers? (2) Does deprescribing reduce symptom burden, pill burden distress, and medication-related adverse events?
We will create nurse-facing deprescribing algorithms with pharmacy and palliative care input, pilot them in outpatient palliative clinics, track medication counts, adverse events, and patient-reported outcomes over 12 weeks.

38. Nursing strategies to maintain fertility preservation continuity during emergency oncology care transitions

We propose an intervention to ensure patients receiving urgent cancer treatment still receive timely fertility preservation counseling and access coordinated by nurses during care transitions.
We ask: (1) Can a nurse-triggered rapid-referral pathway preserve fertility service uptake in patients requiring emergent treatment? (2) Which nursing communication and logistic strategies (on-call fertility liaisons, expedited consents) are most feasible and acceptable?
We will implement a nurse-activated rapid pathway across emergency/oncology interfaces, track time-to-counseling, fertility preservation procedures completed, and patient satisfaction, using implementation science frameworks to assess fidelity and barriers.

39. Impact of nurse-led microbreak nursing coaching on cognitive fatigue and chemotherapy adherence in older adults

We propose testing whether brief, nurse-taught microbreak techniques reduce cognitive fatigue and improve adherence to complex oral chemotherapy regimens among older adults.
We ask: (1) Do daily microbreaks coached by nurses (5-minute cognitive-rest and pacing techniques) reduce self-reported cognitive fatigue and missed doses? (2) Are effects mediated by improved medication management behaviors and executive function?
We will randomize older adult patients to standard education versus nurse-led microbreak coaching with monitoring diaries; we will measure cognitive fatigue scales, electronic adherence monitoring, and brief cognitive tests pre/post intervention.

40. Nurse-created auditory-guided relaxation protocols to manage vestibular toxicity during cytotoxic chemotherapy

We propose designing and evaluating nurse-led auditory-guided relaxation (AGRe) sessions to alleviate chemotherapy-induced vestibular symptoms (dizziness, disequilibrium).
We ask: (1) Can short, nurse-delivered AGRe recordings reduce vestibular symptom severity and associated falls? (2) Does integration of AGRe into infusion visits improve patient comfort and reduce antiemetic/vestibular medication use?
We will co-develop AGRe scripts with vestibular therapists and nurses, pilot delivery during and after infusion via tablet audio, collect symptom severity scores, fall events, and medication usage, and analyze immediate and 7-day effects.

41. Evaluating the Impact of Real-time Wearable Biosensor Alerts on Symptom Management in Home-based Chemotherapy Patients

We propose to test whether continuous biosensor alerts to oncology nurses improve timely symptom management and reduce unplanned acute care.
We ask: 1) We ask whether real-time biosensor alerts reduce severity and duration of chemotherapy-related symptoms; 2) We ask whether nurse response times to alerts mediate patient outcomes; 3) We ask whether patients and nurses find the alert system acceptable and usable; 4) We ask about cost-effectiveness compared with usual care.
We will work on this by conducting a pilot randomized controlled or stepped-wedge trial, integrating validated wearable devices, developing nurse alert protocols, collecting quantitative symptom and utilization data, and conducting qualitative interviews with patients and nurses for implementation refinement.

42. Decolonizing Oncology Nursing Education: Effects of Culturally Co-constructed Curricula on Indigenous Cancer Care Outcomes

We propose to co-create oncology nursing curricula with Indigenous communities and evaluate downstream effects on care quality.
We ask: 1) We ask whether a co-constructed curriculum increases nurses’ cultural safety competencies; 2) We ask whether implementation changes patient-reported trust, adherence, and satisfaction among Indigenous patients; 3) We ask what community-defined outcomes should guide curriculum evaluation; 4) We ask how sustainable community-academic partnerships can be operationalized.
We will work on this by using community-based participatory research methods, co-design workshops with elders and nurses, pre-post competency assessments, community-defined patient outcome metrics, and process evaluation to document partnership dynamics.

43. Nurse-led Teletriage Algorithms Using Natural Language Processing to Predict Emergency Department Visits in Oncology

We propose to develop and evaluate an NLP-enabled teletriage tool that assists oncology nurses to predict and prevent ED visits.
We ask: 1) We ask whether an NLP model applied to nurse telephone notes and patient messages can predict ED visits within 72 hours; 2) We ask whether nurse use of the tool reduces ED presentations and improves symptom resolution; 3) We ask how tool integration affects nurse workload and decision confidence.
We will work on this by curating de-identified teletriage text and outcome labels, training and validating NLP classifiers, implementing the tool in a pilot teletriage service, and performing mixed-methods evaluation of predictive performance and clinician acceptability.

44. Moral Distress Trajectories Among Oncology Nurses Caring for Novel Immunotherapy Patients: A Longitudinal Mixed-Methods Study

We propose to map how moral distress evolves in nurses caring for patients receiving complex immunotherapies and what supports mitigate its harms.
We ask: 1) We ask what longitudinal patterns of moral distress emerge across the treatment trajectory; 2) We ask which clinical, team, and organizational factors predict worsening or resolution of distress; 3) We ask which coping and institutional supports reduce intent-to-leave and burnout.
We will work on this by establishing a prospective cohort with repeated validated moral distress and burnout measures, conducting serial qualitative interviews, and using growth-trajectory modeling to identify predictors and intervention points.

45. Pharmacogenomics-tailored Symptom Management Protocols Delivered by Oncology Nurses: Feasibility and Patient Outcomes

We propose to evaluate whether nurse-implemented symptom protocols informed by patients’ pharmacogenomic profiles improve analgesic and antiemetic effectiveness.
We ask: 1) We ask whether pharmacogenomic-guided nursing protocols reduce symptom severity and medication adverse effects; 2) We ask whether nurses can be trained to interpret reports and apply protocolized adjustments; 3) We ask about barriers, turnaround time, and economic implications.
We will work on this by piloting an implementation study in outpatient oncology, integrating point-of-care pharmacogenomic results into nursing workflows, measuring symptom outcomes and medication changes, and performing a process evaluation with staff and patients.

46. Impact of Environmental Sustainability Practices in Oncology Wards on Nurse Burnout and Patient Safety

We propose to investigate whether implementing sustainability practices (waste reduction, green procurement, energy-efficient workflows) affects nurse well-being and safety metrics.
We ask: 1) We ask whether visible sustainability interventions are associated with reduced burnout and increased workplace meaning; 2) We ask whether changes in supply chains or waste handling influence infection rates, medication errors, or workflow interruptions; 3) We ask what implementation strategies optimize both sustainability and clinical safety.
We will work on this by conducting a controlled before-after study across matched oncology units, measuring staff burnout, patient safety indicators, and conducting cost-benefit and qualitative analyses of staff perceptions.

47. Using VR-based Empathy Training for Oncology Nurses to Improve Communication with Pediatric Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

We propose to assess whether immersive virtual-reality empathy simulations improve nurses’ communication skills and reduce pediatric patient distress.
We ask: 1) We ask whether VR training increases observable empathic behaviors during clinical encounters; 2) We ask whether pediatric patients report lower procedural anxiety and higher satisfaction when cared for by VR-trained nurses; 3) We ask about retention of skills and scalability.
We will work on this by developing VR scenarios co-created with pediatric patients and clinicians, running a randomized controlled trial comparing VR to standard communication training, using behavioral coding of encounters, patient-reported outcomes, and follow-up assessment at 3–6 months.

48. Evaluating the Role of Oncology Nurse Navigators in Managing Financial Toxicity: A Randomized Implementation Trial

We propose to determine whether integrating structured financial navigation delivered by nurse navigators reduces patient financial toxicity and improves adherence.
We ask: 1) We ask whether nurse-led financial navigation decreases patient-reported financial distress and out-of-pocket burden; 2) We ask whether navigation improves treatment adherence and reduces delays or discontinuations; 3) We ask about cost-savings from avoided acute care and the best implementation model across clinic types.
We will work on this by randomizing clinics or patient cohorts to navigation versus usual referral, training nurse navigators in billing, benefits, and resource linkage, measuring financial toxicity scales, adherence metrics, healthcare utilization, and conducting economic modeling.

49. Exploring Sleep Microarchitecture Patterns among Night-shift Oncology Nurses and Associations with Clinical Decision-making Errors

We propose to link high-resolution sleep physiology (actigraphy ± portable EEG) of night-shift oncology nurses with objective measures of decision-making and simulated clinical errors.
We ask: 1) We ask which sleep microarchitecture features (e.g., sleep fragmentation, REM density) associate with increased cognitive lapses and decision errors; 2) We ask whether scheduling patterns predict these sleep features and downstream performance; 3) We ask what targeted countermeasures (napping strategy, light therapy) most effectively restore performance.
We will work on this by recruiting night-shift nurses for multi-night sleep monitoring, administering validated cognitive and simulation-based performance tests across shifts, analyzing physiology-performance associations, and piloting brief circadian interventions.

50. AI-augmented Clinical Handover Tools to Reduce Information Loss in Multidisciplinary Oncology Teams: A Cluster Randomized Trial

We propose to evaluate an AI summarization and decision-support tool embedded in handovers to reduce information gaps and adverse events.
We ask: 1) We ask whether AI-augmented handovers improve completeness and accuracy of conveyed clinical information; 2) We ask whether adoption reduces handover-related adverse events and improves team situational awareness; 3) We ask about trust, transparency, and legal/ethical considerations among clinicians.
We will work on this by developing a clinical-note summarizer tuned to oncology vocabulary, piloting it within electronic handover workflows across clusters (wards or teams), measuring information loss through chart audits and safety events, and conducting mixed-methods evaluation of clinician trust and usability.