The impact of paediatric oncology education on clinical practice – A phenomenological study

McInally, Wendy; Masters, Hugh; Key, Susan

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Over the past 40 years, 5-year survival rates for children and young people with cancer have risen dramatically in the United Kingdom (UK), an improvement largely attributable to the increasingly effective treatments and the centralisation of care. Registered nurses in clinical roles, both within the hospital and the community setting, require on-going and relevant education and training programmes to equip them with the necessary professional and personal skills to ensure they are fit for purpose.

METHOD:

This research study reports on Child Health Nurses (CHN's) perceptions of the impact of paediatric oncology education on their practice. Using a phenomenological approach, this study explores this phenomenon in depth, constructing meaning through the individual participants 'lived experiences'. A purposive sample was selected to participate in semi-structured interviews within their clinical environment.

RESULTS:

Findings suggest that formal paediatric oncology nurse education is perceived to positively impact on certain aspects of the practitioners practice. All the CHN's felt empowered through their newly found knowledge, confidence and attitude and ability to apply evidence-based care. All participants perceived a need for education at all levels, most enjoyed the blended approach to the teaching, learning, and assessment, however all experienced great support from one another and the sharing of personal and professional experiences.

CONCLUSIONS:

From this study it is acknowledged that paediatric oncology education is required and is important for the delivery of quality care. However, there is a dearth of research-based literature which truly analyses the effectiveness and impact of education on paediatric oncology practice

Citation

McInally, W., Masters, H., & Key, S. (2012). The impact of paediatric oncology education on clinical practice – A phenomenological study. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 16, 498-504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2011.12.001

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2012
• Deposit Date: Jun 17, 2015
• Print ISSN: 1462-3889
• Electronic ISSN: 1532-2122
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Pages: 498-504
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2011.12.001
• Keywords: Children and young people; Cancer; Education; Evidence-based practice; Impact on practice
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/8729
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2011.12.001