A training course for oncology nurses in familial cancer risk assessment: evaluation of knowledge and practice.
BACKGROUND
With the availability of genetic testing for cancer, a variety of health professionals are needed to counsel individuals seeking cancer risk information. To address the educational needs of oncology nurses, a training course in familial cancer risk assessment and counseling was developed at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.


METHODS
Four training sessions were conducted with 164 nurses. Knowledge was assessed from pretest to posttest using Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. Comparison of practice in cancer risk assessment (CRA) was measured at baseline and six months with McNemar's procedures.


RESULTS
There was statistically significant improvement in knowledge from pre to post test. There was self-reported improvement in collecting family histories and assessing cancer risk. Those reporting current practice in risk assessment post-training were more likely to collect required family history information and had greater confidence in skills.


CONCLUSIONS
With education and opportunity to practice, nurses can play key roles in CRA.
Masny
Agnes
A
Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA.
Daly
Mary
M
Ross
Eric
E
Balshem
Andrew
A
Gillespie
Doris
D
Weil
Susan
S
D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005190:Family; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education*; D018570:Risk Assessment