Development, implementation, and evaluation of a program to expand the nurse's roles in colorectal cancer prevention: A mixed-methods protocol study

BACKGROUND: Nurses play an important role in cancer prevention. However, studies conducted on nurses’ roles, in the field of cancer prevention in Iran, are very limited. This study will identify the role of nurses and designs, implements, and evaluates a program to expand their role in the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This exploratory mixed-methods study will be performed using quantitative–qualitative methods in three consecutive stages. In the first phase, a qualitative study will be conducted to identify the potential and actual roles of nurses in Iran using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Participants will be selected by purposive and snowball sampling, followed by a literature review; the actual and potential roles of nurses at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of CRC prevention in Iran and around the world will be extracted. And the actual role is determined. In the second phase, the roles of nurses will be prioritized using the modified Delphi method, and the program will be designed. In the third phase, the part of the program will be implemented as a quasi-experimental intervention, and the effect of the intervention will be evaluated. CONCLUSION: Developing a program can provide some evidence for promoting nurses’ position in cancer prevention. Moreover, it is expected that this program promotes knowledge and empowerment and the position of nurses to provide primary, secondary, and tertiary cancer prevention. The entry of nurses into the field of cancer prevention leads to better quality care and more cost-effectiveness.