INCREASING KNOWLEDGE TO DECREASE ADVERSE EVENTS THROUGH CHEMOTHERAPY CONTINUING EDUCATION.

Significance & Background: Many new chemotherapy nurses are working on the inpatient and outpatient oncology units. Currently, there is no continuing education in place for the nurses after they pass the chemotherapy certification exam. There is a gap in knowledge and practice that has been identifi...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Oncology Nursing Forum Vol. 53; no. 2; p. 58
Autor principal: Certo, Kimberly
Formato: Journal Article
Publicado: Oncology Nursing Society Mar2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Significance & Background: Many new chemotherapy nurses are working on the inpatient and outpatient oncology units. Currently, there is no continuing education in place for the nurses after they pass the chemotherapy certification exam. There is a gap in knowledge and practice that has been identified through the organization's safety reporting system related to multiple infiltrates and chemotherapy spills. Anecdotal reports from stakeholders have revealed more education is needed related to safety, administration and side effects of chemotherapy. Purpose: The organization aimed to increase confidence in the newly trained chemotherapy nurses and reduce infiltrates and chemotherapy spills on the oncology unit. Interventions: A continuing nurse education program was created which was offered to both the inpatient and outpatient oncology nurses. In the course, staff were educated on completing a chemotherapy checklist, reviewing chemotherapy precautions, and managing the handling of hazardous drugs. After the first course, a needs assessment survey was completed. Staff input from the survey responses helped develop the second course on administration, side effects and oncologic emergencies. Results: The introduction to chemotherapy course was implemented in April 2025. From December 2024 to April 2025 there were four documented infiltrates and three chemotherapy spills on the oncology unit. After implementation of the course, there has only been one infiltrate and zero chemotherapy spills on the unit. There was also an in-crease in knowledge as evidenced by an average post test score increase of 66%. Discussion: Chemotherapy spills and infiltrates significantly decreased on the oncology unit ensuring increased safety outcomes for both nurses and patients. Nurses also reported feeling more comfortable giving chemotherapy regimens after completion of the course. Since the course is showing prominent increases in patient and staff safety, it has been decided to implement a chemotherapy orientation pathway that includes taking the introduction to chemotherapy course as a requirement prior to starting chemotherapy training on the unit.