Effect of Educational Program for Nurses on Clinical Outcomes of Cancer patients with Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord compression is a common oncological emergency that requires early detection and prompt treatment as it can result in permanent neurological deficit. Nurses are often involved in supporting patients living with cancer. They may be the first healthcare professional to recognize the "red flag" symptoms of MSCC. Early recognition by the nurses will prompt timely investigation, treatment and potentially reduce the risks of patient's having a permanent disability. Aim: To determine the effect of educational program for nurses on clinical outcomes of cancer patients with Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression. Method: Design, A quasi-experimental research design was utilized in this study .Setting, the study was conducted at Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Department at Tanta University Hospital.. Subjects: convenience sample of 40 nurses and 30 cancer patients. Tools: Tool I: Structured Interview Schedule. Tool II: Nursing Care Observational Checklist. Tool III: Patient's Assessment Structured Interview Schedule. Tool (IV): Patient's Outcomes sheet. Results : a highly significant difference was noticed related to the total level of knowledge and practice of studied nurses through periods of study (pre-immediate and post one month assessment periods) with P value= 0.0001.A highly significant difference was found related to the total level of knowledge for the studied patients thought the periods of the study as P value =0.0001.Conclusion:The oncology nurse's knowledge and practice improved significantly after attendance of program sessions. Recommendation: Conduct periodical training programs, workshops and seminars for oncology nurses to refresh their knowledge, and practice about metastatic spinal cord compression and its early detection and management.

Assessment of Nurses' Performance Regarding Care of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

“…from investigator's point of view, this result may be due to that the majority of nurses were recently graduated and didn't attend training courses related to care of patient with SCI. This is consistent with Khalil et al (22) whose study revealed that most of the studied nurses had low level of knowledge regarding care for patients with SCI.…”