Pre- and postassessment of nurse practitioners' knowledge of hereditary colorectal cancer

Abstract

This study was part of an educational program conducted to describe nurse practitioners' (NPs') knowledge and perceived comfort level regarding the identification of hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC), specifically Lynch syndrome, also referred to as hereditary nonpolyposis CRC. A 3-h workshop was developed that included a pretest to evaluate NPs' knowledge of hereditary CRC syndromes, educational program focusing on Lynch syndrome, and a posttest knowledge evaluation. Knowledge of hereditary CRC syndromes was assessed via a nine-item multiple choice self-report survey. Forty-two NPs participated in the study. Few NPs (39%) reported "comfortable" in identifying red flags "suspect" for Lynch syndrome. Percentage of NPs who responded correctly on each of the pretest items ranged from 17.0% to 57.1% (M = 26.2%; SD = 13.5%; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 14.9%, -37.5%). NPs who responded correctly to the same items after the educational program (posttest) ranged from 53.8% to 95% (M = 80.5%; SD = 15.3%; 95% CI 67.8%, -93.4%). Genetic testing is widely available for Lynch syndrome. It is important that NPs are cognizant of the syndrome and identify patients at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes so appropriate referral and management can be instituted.