Competency of Oncology Nurses in the Safe Handling of Chemotherapeutic Drugs

With the increasing cancer burden in the country, nurses' exposure to chemotherapy is inevitable as they belong to the workforce responsible for its preparation, administration, and disposal. These drugs are hazardous and necessitate special precautions to avoid direct exposure. Essentially, their competency must be aligned with the recommended safety guidelines to maintain quality patient outcomes while ensuring their safety.

The primary aim was to determine the competency level of Oncology nurses in terms of knowledge, skills, and attitude. The results were used to develop a training program framework for competency enhancement.

A descriptive correlational quantitative study was utilized. The study was conducted from December 2023 to February 2024 across three regions in Luzon, Philippines. The study included 203 Oncology nurses who fit the inclusion criteria. Data were collected via a four-part online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients.

Oncology nurses exhibited excellent knowledge (x̄ = 16.18) and skills (x̄ = 3.86) but only fair attitudes (x̄ = 2.92). Knowledge correlated negatively with skills (ρs = -0.45, p<0.001) and positively with attitude (ρs = 0.71, p<0.001), while skills negatively correlated with attitude (ρs = -0.70, p<0.001). Higher education levels strongly correlated with knowledge (χ² = 213.28, p<0.001) and attitude (χ² = 214.08, p<0.001) but not skills (χ² = 25.48, p>0.001). Training in chemotherapy showed significant correlations with knowledge (χ² = 241.77, p<0.001), skills (χ² = 106.93, p<0.001), and attitude (χ² = 276.51, p<0.001). The practice environment had strong positive correlations with all competency dimensions as knowledge (χ² = 368.60, p<0.001), skills (χ² = 2850.87, p<0.001), and attitude (χ² = 1020.64, p<0.001).

Oncology nurses demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and accurate and efficient skills but maintain a neutral attitude toward handling chemo-therapeutic drugs. These results relate to the complex interplay between the competency dimensions. There are still gaps and areas needing improvement that should be addressed and supported to align their competencies, especially along the skills and attitude dimensions. Training programs anchored on evidence-based practices and regulatory standards, and promoting a favorable practice environment are vital for their competency development.