Authors: (including presenting author): :
Law SN (1), Liu CW (1), Lee KC (1), Sit YW (1), Fok SF (1), Wong SY (1), Law KC (1), Lee CC (1), Chan WC (1), Lam HY (1), Tsang WY (2)
Affiliation: :
(1) Department of Oncology, United Christian Hospital
(2) Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital
Introduction: :
United Christian Hospital is undergoing reconstruction to reinforce and expand oncology services. There are 2% on-going growth in patients in total chemotherapy clinic attendances annually and turning out an increasing service demand. However, there are approximately 50% of new nurse comers who joined Department of Oncology with below 3 years seniority and have not been undergone specialty training. With insufficient skills and knowledge, it would affect clinical decision as well as patient safety. As a result, we designed an enhancement project aimed at improvement of staff competency and facilitation on nurse' transition in Department of Oncology.
Objectives: :
1. To enhance staffs’ knowledge and competency in handling oncology patients
2. To equip newly-joined nurses with professional skills in delivering safe practices especially in high-risk procedures
3. To facilitate smooth transition into work duties
4. To increase sense of belongings
Methodology: :
Training plan and materials have been developed. 24-days structured nurse trainings have been delivered for newcomers including lectures and hands-on workshops by various medical, nursing and allied health specialists as well as intra-hospital and inter-hospital visitations. Training domains consisted of 7 parts: Chemotherapy and Hormonal Therapy Nursing, Biotherapy Nursing, Cancer Pain Management, Clinical Management of Major Cancers, Palliative Care, Radiological Nursing and Care of patient with Oncological Emergencies and Complications.
Moreover, spillage management guideline has been redefined. Establishment of spillage workshop and spillage audit as well as care of central venous catheter workshop have been conducted to all nurses. An evaluation form was also contributed to nurses to collect feedback.
Result & Outcome: :
All newcomers successfully completed in-service trainings and passed the post-training assessments. Newly-joined nurses agreed that the training equipped their clinical knowledge and competency and expressed more confident on handling oncological procedures (Mean score: 4.56 out of 5). Respondents reported that the program achieved its stated objectives (Mean score: 4.94 out of 5). 100% compliance rate of nursing quality audits on spillage management and care of central venous catheter have been recorded.
Conclusion
The enhancement project not only enhancing staffs’ competency, but also facilitating smooth transition into work duties. Trainings and audits are expected to provide yearly to monitor progress of competency and ensure quality and safety in oncology services.
