Evaluation of a training program in breast cancer nursing

A training program in breast cancer nursing was evaluated in terms of its effects on 55 nurse participants and 18 breast cancer patients who were assigned to a control or to a program group. The quasi-experimental evaluation design employed both standard and investigator-developed instruments. Pre- and posttests were used to measure nurse participants' knowledge and attitudes and appraisal of usefulness and satisfaction with the program. Effect on patient outcomes was measured by means of a Perception of Care Questionnaire, a Breast Cancer Knowledge Quiz, and the Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist. In the cognitive and attitude domains, nurse participants improved significantly and appraised the program as highly useful and satisfactory. Program group patients scored significantly higher scores on the Perception of Care and Breast Cancer Knowledge Questionnaires and exhibited significantly less anxiety than control group patients. Results support the use of evaluation as a part of systematic program development. The evaluation of patient outcomes is a challenging but essential component of program evaluation.