Abstract / Summary
Abstract Background: Chemotherapy-related side effects can adversely affect patient outcomes and quality of life when not appropriately managed. A nursing audit conducted in an oncology department identified gaps in staff nurses' knowledge regarding chemotherapy side-effect management and deficiencies in patient education practices.
Aim: To improve staff nurses' knowledge regarding chemotherapy and its associated side effects through a structured educational program and to enhance patient self-management through the provision of a patient information booklet.
Methods: A quality improvement project was conducted among 55 oncology staff nurses in the Oncology Block of St. John's Medical College Hospital. Baseline audit findings revealed deficiencies in chemotherapy-related knowledge and patient education practices. A nurse-led educational program covering chemotherapy medications, side effects, symptom assessment, management strategies, and patient counselling was implemented. A patient information booklet titled Coping with Chemotherapy was developed and distributed. Nurses' knowledge was assessed using a structured questionnaire before and five days after the intervention. Chemotherapy-related readmissions were monitored during a six-week post-intervention period.
Results: The mean knowledge score significantly increased from 8.80 ± 2.97 in the pre-test to 13.11 ± 1.31 in the post-test (t = 16.29, p < 0.001). During the six-week post-intervention period, only one unplanned chemotherapy-related readmission was recorded, attributable to fever. The intervention was successfully integrated into routine workflow without reported staff burden or disruption to nursing schedules.
Conclusion: The nurse-led educational program significantly improved staff nurses' knowledge regarding chemotherapy and its side effects. The accompanying patient information booklet strengthened patient education efforts and supported self-management practices. Ongoing educational initiatives may contribute to improved oncology care and reduced treatment-related complications.