Why you should read this article:

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To read about an audit and re-audit of advanced nurse practitioner-led oral anti-cancer medicine practice in a hospital and then in the community

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To understand how the implementation of a quality improvement plan can address gaps in practice identified on audit

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To appreciate the importance of adherence to best practice standards to ensure safe and quality patient care

Healthcare in the Republic of Ireland experienced a shift in the delivery of services during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In the authors’ hospital, patients receiving oral anticancer medicines had their care transferred from the hospital-based oncology day unit, initially to a hospital-based advanced nurse practitioner- (ANP-) led oncology service then to a community-based ANP-led oncology service. A retrospective audit of the assessment, monitoring, patient education and prescribing practices for adult patients attending the ANP-led hospital oncology service was undertaken in March 2021. A quality improvement plan was subsequently developed and implemented and the audit was repeated in February 2022 following transition to an ANP-led community-based oncology service. The re-audit showed a marked improvement in the standard of care delivered to adults receiving oral anti-cancer medicines from an ANP in the community.