Impact of a web-based reproductive health training program: ENRICH (Educating Nurses about Reproductive Issues in Cancer Healthcare).

OBJECTIVE

Educating Nurses about Reproductive Issues in Cancer Healthcare (ENRICH) is a web-based training program to assist oncology nurses with timely communication and relevant information regarding reproductive health issues (eg, risk of infertility, fertility preservation, and sexual health) to adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients and survivors. This manuscript describes impact on knowledge, perceived communication skills, and practice behaviors.

METHODS

The eight-module course incorporated didactic content and an interactive applied learning component on the following reproductive health topics: overview, men, women, family building options, pediatrics, sexual health, communication, and practical applications. A 14-question pretest and posttest was administered to assess changes in knowledge. Additionally, participants received a follow-up survey addressing communication skills and practice behaviors.

RESULTS

Over a 3-year period, 233 nurses completed the training. The mean pretest to posttest total score increased significantly (P < .001). Nurses rated their communication skills regarding risk of infertility with males as 7.5 and females as 7.4, based on a 10-point scale. Half of participants noted that they often or always discuss risk of infertility and fertility preservation options. Two-thirds indicated they refer patients to reproductive specialists, and majority (72%) indicated they document those referrals.

CONCLUSIONS

ENRICH is a successful intervention for oncology nurses caring for AYA patients and survivors by increasing knowledge, communication skills, and frequency of discussion of reproductive health.