Michelle L Aebersold1, Shawna Kraft2,3, Karen B Farris2,3, Marylee Scherdt1, MiKaela Olsen4, Martha Polovich5, Brenda K Shelton4, Guy H Montgomery6, Christopher R Friese1,3. 1. University of Michigan School of Nursing, Center for Improving Patient and Population Health, Ann Arbor, MI. 2. University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI. 3. University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI. 4. Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. 5. Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA. 6. Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Center for Behavioral Oncology, New York, NY.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Drug therapy for cancer is a high-risk, high-volume clinical intervention that requires interprofessional teams. Given the complexity of anticancer drug therapy and safety concerns, an interdisciplinary team developed a novel training program for oncology registered nurses and pharmacists to improve cancer drug safety. METHODS: Participants completed preworkshop learning assessments and received access to web-based modules on six topics: hazardous drug handling, drug extravasation, hypersensitivity reaction management, sepsis recognition, immune checkpoint inhibitor toxicities, and oral oncolytic adherence. In a 7-hour workshop, participants applied module content in interactive exercises and high-fidelity simulations. Preworkshop and postworkshop questionnaires assessed changes in knowledge and confidence in each topic. Program satisfaction and changes to clinical practice or policies were assessed 3 months after the workshop. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-two nurses and 82 pharmacists applied to participate, and 103 (35%) and 44 (54%) have participated, respectively. Long-term follow-up data were available on 133 (90%) participants. Change scores in confidence to meet program objectives increased between pre- and postworkshop (range of increase 0.6-0.8, P < .01). Knowledge scores increased significantly between pre- and postworkshop (average improvement of 3.2 points, P < .01). Overall program satisfaction was high (mean 5.0, standard deviation [0.2] on a five-point scale). Seventy-seven (60%) reported that they had made at least one clinical practice or institutional policy change at 3 months. CONCLUSION: An interprofessional education program with online modules, in-person interactive sessions, and simulation activities is a promising strategy to deliver cancer drug safety content to practicing oncology clinicians.
PURPOSE: Drug therapy for cancer is a high-risk, high-volume clinical intervention that requires interprofessional teams. Given the complexity of anticancer drug therapy and safety concerns, an interdisciplinary team developed a novel training program for oncology registered nurses and pharmacists to improve cancer drug safety. METHODS:Participants completed preworkshop learning assessments and received access to web-based modules on six topics: hazardous drug handling, drug extravasation, hypersensitivity reaction management, sepsis recognition, immune checkpoint inhibitor toxicities, and oral oncolytic adherence. In a 7-hour workshop, participants applied module content in interactive exercises and high-fidelity simulations. Preworkshop and postworkshop questionnaires assessed changes in knowledge and confidence in each topic. Program satisfaction and changes to clinical practice or policies were assessed 3 months after the workshop. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-two nurses and 82 pharmacists applied to participate, and 103 (35%) and 44 (54%) have participated, respectively. Long-term follow-up data were available on 133 (90%) participants. Change scores in confidence to meet program objectives increased between pre- and postworkshop (range of increase 0.6-0.8, P < .01). Knowledge scores increased significantly between pre- and postworkshop (average improvement of 3.2 points, P < .01). Overall program satisfaction was high (mean 5.0, standard deviation [0.2] on a five-point scale). Seventy-seven (60%) reported that they had made at least one clinical practice or institutional policy change at 3 months. CONCLUSION: An interprofessional education program with online modules, in-person interactive sessions, and simulation activities is a promising strategy to deliver cancer drug safety content to practicing oncology clinicians.