Impact of a web‐based reproductive health training program: ENRICH (Educating Nurses about Reproductive Issues in Cancer Healthcare)

Abstract

Objective: Educating Nurses about Reproductive Issues in Cancer Healthcare (ENRICH) is a web-based training program to assist oncology nurses with timely communication and relevant information regarding reproductive health issues (eg, risk of infertility, fertility preservation, and sexual health) to adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients and survivors. This manuscript describes impact on knowledge, perceived communication skills, and practice behaviors. Methods: The eight-module course incorporated didactic content and an interactive applied learning component on the following reproductive health topics: overview, men, women, family building options, pediatrics, sexual health, communication, and practical applications. A 14-question pretest and posttest was administered to assess changes in knowledge. Additionally, participants received a follow-up survey addressing communication skills and practice behaviors.Results: Over a 3-year period, 233 nurses completed the training. The mean pretest to posttest total score increased significantly (P < .001). Nurses rated their communication skills regarding risk of infertility with males as 7.5 and females as 7.4, based on a 10-point scale. Half of participants noted that they often or always discuss risk of infertility and fertility preservation options. Two-thirds indicated they refer patients to reproductive specialists, and majority (72%) indicated they document those referrals.Conclusions: ENRICH is a successful intervention for oncology nurses caring for AYA patients and survivors by increasing knowledge, communication skills, and frequency of discussion of reproductive health.

Effectiveness of online communication skills training for cancer and palliative care health professionals: A systematic review

“…Nineteen studies which evaluated an online CST intervention were identified 15,33‐50 . Extracted data are presented in Data S2.…”

Sexual health among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: A scoping review from the Children's Oncology Group Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Discipline Committee

“…Educational interventions for oncology providers have demonstrated improvement in provider‐reported knowledge and practice, but the impact on patient‐reported outcomes has not been routinely evaluated 58 . The Educating Nurses about Reproductive Issues in Cancer Healthcare (ENRICH) has demonstrated success in educating providers about sexual health among oncology patients 59 . Sexual communication models, including PLISSIT (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, and Intensive Therapy) 60,61 can be helpful for providers to initiate sexual health discussions with patients.…”

“…58 The Educating Nurses about Reproductive Issues in Cancer Healthcare (ENRICH) has demonstrated success in educating providers about sexual health among oncology patients. 59 Sexual communication models, including PLISSIT (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, and Intensive Therapy) 60,61 can be helpful for providers to initiate sexual health discussions with patients. The incorporation of a sexual health clinic within the oncology setting has been successful among adults with cancer 62 and may serve as a model for AYA cancer survivors in some settings.…”

Communication of Diagnosis of Infertility: A Systematic Review

“…However, while patients claim for clear information, honesty, emotional support, and respect (Ussher et al, 2018 ), healthcare providers should have access to adequate training programs. Some experiences demonstrated that nurses' knowledge of reproductive issues, communication skills, and practice behaviors increased significantly after structured courses (Quinn et al, 2019 ).…”