Effect of a theory-driven educational intervention on the level of knowledge, attitudes, and assessment practices regarding breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) management among medical nurses in Hong Kong.

PURPOSE

To examine the effect of an educational intervention intended to improve medical nurses' adherence to breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) assessment practices and their level of knowledge, attitudes and perceived assessment practices regarding BTCP management.

METHODS

Nurses working in a regional hospital were recruited to this quasi-experimental study. The intervention group received a 3-h educational workshop and one session of individual clinical instruction, whilst the control group did not receive any intervention. Chart audits were performed to examine adherence to BTCP assessment practices as the primary outcome. A self-developed questionnaire was used to measure nurses' knowledge, attitudes and perceived assessment practices regarding BTCP management as the secondary outcomes. The chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used to compare the rate of adherence to BTCP assessment practices between groups. A generalised estimating equation was used to compare changes in knowledge, attitudes, and perceived assessment practices between groups over time.

RESULTS

One hundred and five nurses completed the study. The chart audits revealed a significantly higher rate of adherence to BTCP assessment practices in the intervention group after the intervention (p < .05). The intervention group exhibited significant positive changes in scores for knowledge (β = 25.49, p < .001), attitude (β = 0.98 to 2.81, p < .01), and their perceived assessment practices (β = 1.33 to 3.14, p < .002) when compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

This theory-driven educational intervention significantly improved the medical nurses' adherence to BTCP assessment practices and their level of knowledge attitudes and perceived assessment practices regarding BTCP management.