Nurses' practices in targeted therapies in Turkey

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Pharmacology
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• The increasing prevalence of targeted therapies in cancer treatment necessitates specialized nursing knowledge.
• Current nursing practices and knowledge regarding targeted therapies in Turkey remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current knowledge and practices of oncology nurses in Turkey concerning targeted therapies.
• To identify existing gaps in nurses' management of targeted therapies and inform educational needs.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted among 187 nurses from 29 cities who attended oncology nursing educational programs.
• Data collection involved a 30-item questionnaire focusing on demographics, knowledge, and practices related to targeted therapies.

Main Results:

• A majority of nurses expressed a desire for more information on targeted therapies, preferably through in-service education.
• Most nurses reported dissatisfaction with their current knowledge level, with few accurately defining targeted therapies or their mechanisms.
• While storage knowledge was generally adequate, misconceptions existed regarding preparation, with many suggesting chemotherapy-like protocols.

Conclusions:

• Significant knowledge deficits among nurses regarding targeted therapies can lead to errors and reduced drug efficacy.
• There is a clear need for targeted educational support to enhance nurses' understanding of targeted therapies, their side effects, and proper management.
• Addressing these gaps is essential for optimizing patient outcomes in targeted cancer therapy.