Impact of a Pharmacist-Led Chemotherapy Education Program on the Knowledge of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses

Medication errors involving chemotherapy are a serious source of avoidable medical harm that can result in chemotherapy-related adverse drug events. Efforts to reduce errors in the past decade have largely focused on chemotherapy errors at the prescriber level, using computerized or automated technology, but little has been done to ensure chemotherapy is administered accurately at the nursing level. The current study implemented a pharmacist-led, supplemental, institution-specific training program to nursing staff regarding the use of chemotherapy and to address knowledge deficits in newly hired nursing personnel.

Inpatient pediatric oncology nurses were eligible to participate in a 3-session educational program regarding chemotherapy principles, adverse event management, and supportive care. Pre- and posttests were administered during the sessions to assess baseline and acquired knowledge. An attitudes survey was given to nurses prior to their first session and after the last session to assess the nurse's comfort with administration and management of chemotherapy.

Posttest scores following program implementation show a significant increase in baseline knowledge. Scores increased by 14.1% (p < 0.001) overall; they increased 6% (p = 0.266), 22% (p = <0.001), and 16.5% (p = <0.001) after sessions 1, 2, and 3, respectively. All respondents requested additional classes for orientation or continuing education.

A pharmacist-led, educational program significantly improves knowledge of chemotherapy administration and monitoring in pediatric oncology nurses and was well received by participants as an additional training opportunity.