A recent survey of ONS members and other oncology nurses who attended ONS:Edge events revealed that a large majority:

• Changed their practice after attending ONS:Edge programming.
• Shared what they learned with their colleagues.
• Prefer ONS:Edge non-CNE programming over similar programs from other hosts.

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There appears to be an easing of attendance regulations for promotional events in these two instances. However, ONS:Edge will continue to enforce the rules established by our clients’ legal departments regarding who can be admitted to promotional dinner programs and/or served meals.

Additionally, it is important that all healthcare professionals attending promotional programs check their employer’s policies regarding attendance. Many research and teaching hospitals post policies online and employees should contact their human resources departments for information.

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ONS:Edge and its clients have an intrinsic interest in providing education for oncology nurses. Such education may help nurses understand new therapies and their administration and side effects, and it contributes to improved patient outcomes. However, because this type of education is classified as promotional programming, it cannot offer continuing nursing education (CNE) credits.

Nurses frequently express frustration with the declining availability of CNE and its rising cost. Their concerns have led ONS:Edge to ask whether oncology nurses would willingly participate in free online education that does not offer CNE. The results of a recent investigation suggest a resounding, "Yes!"

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ONS:Edge believes that all oncology nurses should know what the regulatory environment is nationally and locally and how that environment can and will impact their personal activities.

In preparation for its session at the 2012 ONS Leadership Weekend entitled, “Why Can’t I Attend that Session?” ONS:Edge conducted a survey of ONS member leaders to evaluate their knowledge about current laws, rules, and regulations that affect oncology nurse participation in pharmaceutical promotional events or activities. Examples include live dinner events (that do not offer CNE), advisory boards, consulting arrangements, and speaker bureaus.

618 ONS chapter leaders (presidents, presidents-elect, and program chairs) received the survey. 234 responses were received, for a 38% response rate – unusually high. Clearly, ONS:Edge has hit upon an area of real interest and concern to ONS leadership.

The responses demonstrated that nurses’ knowledge about rules and regulations regarding relationships with pharmaceutical companies and participation in promotional activities is somewhat limited.

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