A literature review of the role of the specialist palliative care community nurse

This article reviewed international research to obtain an improved understanding of the role defined in the literature as the specialist palliative care community nurse (SPCCN). Developments in cancer treatment and palliative care have lead to improved symptom control andincreased prognosis for palliative care patients. In response, therehas been a change to the role of the SPCCN indicating a move from a generalized, to specialist, community nurse who provides a consultancy service, thus causing role ambiguity. Within the literature, three themes emerged in defining the role of the community palliative care nurse: communication and collaboration; a clarification of the role; and the role of referral. This review found that there was a blurring of professional boundaries amongst the palliative care team and that the SPCCN has a capacity to coordinate and provide expertise in delivering complex symptom control to patients and their families.