title: Training oncology nurses to use remote symptom support protocols: a retrospective pre-/post study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the impact of training on nurses' satisfaction and perceived confidence using symptom protocols for remotely supporting patients undergoing cancer treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective pre-/post-study guided by the Knowledge-to-Action Framework.
  
  
  METHODS
  Interactive workshops at three ambulatory oncology programs in Canada.
  
  
  METHODS
  107 RNs who provide remote support to patients with cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Workshops included didactic presentation, role play with protocols, and group discussion. Post-training, a survey measured satisfaction with training and retrospective pre-/post-perceived confidence in the ability to provide symptom support using protocols. One-tailed, paired t-tests measured change.
  
  
  METHODS
  Satisfaction with the workshop and perceived confidence in the ability to provide symptom support and use protocols.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-two workshops, 30-60 minutes each, were conducted with 107 participants. Ninety completed the survey. Compared to preworkshop, postworkshop nurses had improved self-confidence to assess, triage, and guide patients in self-care for cancer treatment-related symptoms, and use protocols to facilitate symptom assessment, triage, and care. Workshops were rated as easy to understand, comprehensive, and provided new information on remote symptom management. Some specified that the workshop did not provide enough time for role play, but most said they would recommend it to others.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The workshop increased nurses' perceived confidence with providing remote symptom support and was well received.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Subsequent workshops should ensure adequate time for role play to enhance nurses' skills in using protocols and documenting symptom support.
authors: School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.
authors: Dawn
authors: D
authors: Stacey
authors: McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Canada.
authors: Myriam
authors: M
authors: Skrutkowski
authors: Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.
authors: Meg
authors: M
authors: Carley
authors: Northeast Cancer Center, Sudbury, Canada.
authors: Erin
authors: E
authors: Kolari
authors: Nova Scotia Cancer Centre, Capital Health, Halifax, Canada.
authors: Tara
authors: T
authors: Shaw
authors: Northeast Cancer Center, Sudbury, Canada.
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: Ballantyne
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care; D002170:Canada; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities; D032882:Comprehension; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration; D004521:Educational Measurement; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012381:Role Playing; D012648:Self Care; D055817:Telenursing / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D014218:Triage
keywords: confidence; knowledge; nursing; oncology; symptoms; training