Effect of Educational Program on Nurses’ Competency Regarding Providing Palliative Care for Children with Advanced Stage of Cancer

Abd-Elrahman Radwan, Samar Abd-Elrahman; El-KhedrAbd-Elgawad, Sahar Mahmoud; Abd -Rahman Younis, Amal Abo-El-Azm

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2022.221610

Effect of Educational Program on Nurses’ Competency Regarding Providing Palliative Care for Children with Advanced Stage of Cancer

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Demonstrator of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing/ Tanta University, Egypt

² Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing/ Tanta University, Egypt

³ Lecturer of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing/ Tanta University, Egypt

10.21608/tsnj.2022.221610

Abstract

Background: Childhood cancer is a major stressful experience facing children. Application of pediatric palliative care encompasses physical, psychological, spiritual health of children with cancer and their family. Competency in palliative care focused on knowledge of palliative care, personal qualities and attributes and key skills to fulfill professional responsibility through practice. The current study aims to evaluate the effect of educational program on nurses’ competency regarding providing palliative care for children with advanced stage of cancer. Research design: A quasi experimental research design was used. Subjects and method: A convenience sampling of forty- five nurses working at Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit at Tanta main University Hospital and Tanta cancer center affiliated to Ministry of health and population were recluted in the current study. Two Tools were used to collect data: First tool is Structured Questionnaire Schedule to assess socio demographic characteristic and nurses' knowledge regarding childhood cancer and palliative care. Second tool is Palliative Care Competency checklist. The results of the present study revealed that the total score of nurses' knowledge had improved immediately and one month after implementing educational program. Statistical significant differences were found regarding all competency domain before, immediately and one month after implementing the educational program. The study concluded improvement of nurses' knowledge and competencies regarding providing palliative care for children with advanced stage of cancer. The study recommended applying competency based nursing intervention to children with advanced cancer and developing an educational program for parents.