A multimodal, interprofessional training program on chemotherapy safety for nurses and pharmacists: Development and preliminary evaluation.

Abstract

266 Background: Chemotherapy is a high-volume, high-risk clinical intervention that requires interprofessional clinical teams. With increased demand for chemotherapy, a record number of newly-approved drugs, and health system cuts to professional development, we sought to develop and deliver an evidence-based educational program for nurses and pharmacists on safe handling of hazardous drugs, management of oncology emergencies, extravasations, oral oncolytic therapy, and promoting clinical practice change. Methods: After mail and web-based recruitment activities, selected participants completed pre-workshop online modules. Live workshops included a blend of faculty-led interactive sessions and four simulations to reinforce content. Post-simulation debriefing sessions clarified concepts and identified participant action plans for clinical practice change. Attendees have access to lecture videos, handouts, resources, and a discussion board. Applying Kirkpatrick’s framework, we assessed participant confidence to meet program objectives before and after the workshop, a 27-item knowledge assessment before and after the workshop, and satisfaction with specific learning activities on a 5-point Likert scale. Results: To date, faculty have led two workshops. 266 nurses and 72 pharmacists applied and we accepted 77 (29%) and 30 (42%), respectively. Participants' change scores in confidence to meet program objectives increased from pre- to post-workshop (range 0.51-1.00). Knowledge scores increased between pre- and post- workshop (16.3 vs. 18.76, p < .01). Overall satisfaction was high across all content areas (range 4.76 - 4.98). Nearly all participants (n = 104, 97.2%) reported they were extremely satisfied with the program. Conclusions: An interprofessional education program with online modules, in-person interactive sessions, and simulation activities is a promising strategy to deliver chemotherapy safety content to practicing oncology nurses and pharmacists. Future efforts include recruiting a more diverse pool of participants, and expanding the program to include advanced practice providers.