Effectiveness of an education program on nurses’ knowledge concerning side effect of chemotherapy in Baghdad Teaching Hospitals

Abstract

Nurses caring for patients undergoing chemotherapy require specialized knowledge in order to ensure safety for patient’s life. Therefore, where the negligence or mistake occurs during chemotherapy treatment may lead to adverse consequences on patient’s life. So, educational programs concerning this subject can be of imperative benefit for both patient and nurse. To determine the Effectiveness of an Education Program on nurses’ Knowledge concerning Side Effect of Chemotherapy in oncology wards. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in Baghdad Teaching Hospitals from 19th, October 2017 to the 20th, May 2018. The study instrument is composed of two parts: first part dealing with the socio-demographic characteristics of the nurses, while the second part dealing with the Knowledge test which consists from (30) items (multiple choices) questionnaires divided into (3) main dimensions related to nurse’s knowledge concerning side effects of chemotherapy. The study concluded that the effectiveness of an education program concerning side effects of chemotherapy is positive at a high rate. The study recommended to Specific training courses for nurses with exam to get the benefit and to have effect on the oncology nurses knowledge, and oncology nurses must have a specific preoncology educational courses before participation to the oncology ward.