49 Exploring determinants of staff retention in Paediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Nursing

Background Retention of nursing staff is a constant battle across the NHS, and directly impacts patient safety (Mallorie, 2024, Griffiths et al., 2018; Pressley and Garside, 2023; Ren et al. 2024). With a growing number of paediatric Bone Marrow Transplants (BMTs) being undertaken in the UK and the expansion of the service (BBC, 2023; NHS England, 2025; BSBMTCT, 2024a; BSBMTCT, 2024b) – coupled with the niche, specialist skills required to care for these patients and families, the retention of Paediatric BMT nurses is critical. A review of the literature has found there is little UK based research in this area (Whiting et al., 2021; Macintyre, Brown and Schultz, 2022; Forsyth, Lopez and Lewis, 2022; Mahon, 2018).Methods Paediatric Nurses (n=68) working in inpatient, paediatric BMT care at a single London Tertiary Centre were recruited via purposive sampling. Participants completed an open-ended questionnaire, created for this study based on existing literature, using an Appreciative Inquiry perspective. Thematic and documentary analysis was conducted by the study lead using the Ritchie and Spencer Framework and READ approach, respectively (Daglish, Khalid and McMahon, 2020; Ritchie and Spencer, 1994).Results 11 completed questionnaires were received, totalling a 16% response rate. Themes identified as professional and personal motivating factors for paediatric nurses to remain working in this area included ‘The Trust’, ‘Learning and Development’, ‘Interest in Specialism’ and ‘Interpersonal Relationships’. Through in-depth critical analysis, it became apparent that these factors could not be solely categorised as either professional or personal motivators. Rather, the workplace environment and the individual’s personal beliefs intersected, thus contributing to multiple overlapping themes. ( Figure 1)Discussion and Conclusion While these findings align with existing literature on advanced nursing practice and peer and family relationships in the long-term haemato-oncology patient group (Konukbay, Yildiz and Suluhan, 2019; Boyle and Bush, 2018; Nukpezah et al., 2021; Mahon, 2018; Wright et al., 2017; Morrison and Morris, 2017; Maleki et al., 2024), it highlights a gap in personal interest in BMT as a retentive factor, and the impact of specific diagnoses and treatment regimes, suggesting a need for further research. Given that this study is the first of its kind in the UK to investigate retentive motivators of inpatient Paediatric BMT nurses, it follows research should expand to different transplant centres across the UK.Abstract 49 Figure 1Thematic analysis networkAcknowledgements for Funding or Support Ethical approval was granted by the School of Health and Social Care Ethics Committee at London South Bank University, London (Reference - 24/A/16) on 20th January 2025.NHS Trust Approval was granted by Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Research and Development Team (Reference - 4011) on 24th November 2024.The research was conducted as part of Charlotte Rigby’s MSc Dissertation module at London South Bank University, London. This academic module was funded by Great Ormond Street Hospital Learning Academy (GLA) Scholarship.References BBC, 2023, Great Ormond Street appeals for new £300m cancer centre. 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