IMPROVING NURSING PERFORMANCE REGARDING CARE OF CHILDREN WITH NEUROBLASTOMA

Abstract

Background: Neuroblastoma is an embryonic malignancy of early childhood originating from neural crest cells and showing heterogeneous biological, morphological, genetic and clinical characteristics. Nurses play an important role in providing care for neuroblstoma children treated by chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery (pre, during and post) exposure to the different treatment. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate nursing performance regarding care of children suffering from neuroblstoma. Design: A quasi experimental pre/post-test research design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted at in-patient solid department in 57357 Children Cancer Hospital. Sample: A convenience sample of 60 oncology nurses. Tools I: Structured interviewing Questionnaire which consisted of two parts A. To assess nurses, characteristics, B. To assess nurses' knowledge regarding neuroblstoma; II: Observational checklists to assess the nurses' practices toward care of children suffering from neuroblstoma. Results: The current study revealed that the majority of nurses had satisfactory knowledge and competent practices post program and in follow up with (p< 0.001) and positive correlation was found between nurse' knowledge and practices post program intervention and in follow up with (p< 0.001). Conclusion: In the light of the study findings, it can be concluded that, the educational program intervention was effective in improving the nurses' knowledge and practices regarding care of children suffering from neuroblstoma, there was a positive correlation between total knowledge and practices. These study findings were supported the study hypotheses. Recommendation: Implementation of periodical on job-training programs for oncology nurses to update and refresh their knowledge and practices about care of children with neuroblstoma.