NURS-06. NURSING PROFESSIONALS AND THEIR AID IN RESEARCH BIOBANKING

Nursing teams play an integral role in the care of patients with brain tumors; however nurses do not often see themselves as essential contributors to translational research. Recent development of nurse-researcher relationships and involvement of the multidisciplinary team have led to successful biobanking strategies. Though there are challenges associated with fostering these relationships, their vital role has significantly enhanced participant recruitment and sample collection at one large urban Children’s Hospital. Researchers at the institution have established a biobank to collect samples from pediatric brain tumor patients at diagnosis, during therapy, and post mortem using conventional methods. However, a collaborative environment between nursing and research teams greatly enhanced the growth of the biobank. We have increased patient recruitment by more than 50% in the past four years and supported different types of specimen collection. Our success entails: 1) development of nurse-researcher relationships, 2) an efficient consent process, 3) streamlined sample collection, and 4) appreciation of the vital role of the nursing team in clinical data collection pertinent to molecular analysis. Additionally, the support of nursing is valuable during post mortem consents and provides emotional support to the family to fulfil their wish to donate. Nurses play a major role in coordination of the post-mortem donation process, and assist in the formation of partnerships within the community to promote this opportunity to families. As biobanking continues to be an important part of bench research, all institutions should recognize and support the vital role that nurses can have in enhancing this endeavor.