Medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a qualitative study investigating the understanding and knowledge of local oncology clinical nurse specialists

Purpose: To explore oncology clinical nurse specialists (CNS) knowledge and understanding of medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Method: A qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with four oncology CNS and subsequent interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Findings were reported under three themes; the importance of medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw, education on medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw and patient access to dental care. The key aspects highlighted were the important role of the oncology clinical nurse specialists and the need to improve communication and links between medical and dental specialties. A prominent subtheme was the aspiration of the oncology clinical nurse specialists to develop their understanding of medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Conclusions: The study provides new knowledge on oncology clinical nurse specialists understanding of medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw. It reinforces that improvements are to be made when it comes to oncology clinical nurse specialists understanding of oral health problems. It highlights the importance of reinforcing oral health needs as part of the holistic view of patients by the medical specialties and it affirms the valuable role of the clinical nurse specialists.