Development of a chemotherapy education checklist.

Abstract

Development of a Chemotherapy Education Checklist As part of the Cancer Care Coordinator's project plan at Nambour General Hospital a target of Patients attending Oncology Outpatients will understand what may happen to them during active treatment was set. A literature review was undertaken; the existing process was reviewed, which included a survey of nursing staff on patient education, and criteria audit of documentation of patient education. Issues identified in relation to the process were developed; as no guideline existed for patient education and thus is could not be guaranteed that each patient was provided with comprehensive evidence based education. There was no set standard of written information provided to patients. Current documentation on patient education was limited to a brief narrative describing the education and a series of tick boxes in relation to side effects of the drug therapy. There was no formal evaluation to determine whether the patient understood what may happen to them. The checklist was based on checklists used at the Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital and the Nepean Cancer Care Centre. Input was sought from medical, allied health, and nursing staff. It was anticipated that the Checklist used in collaboration with the guideline would assist staff to ensure education was provided in a structured form, delivering a high standard of verbal and written information which was evidence based. Implementation was followed by review chart auditing and nursing staff survey and variations to checklist and guideline were made. These quality activities ensured measurable outcomes, and demonstrated increments by which we could benchmark against other similar checklists, and audit tools. The Chemotherapy education checklist and guideline has improved the standardisation of chemotherapy education sessions regardless of the nurse delivery. It also allows an ongoing record that can be added to at future appointments, and amended to reflect best practice.<br />