Aligning excellence in symptom assessment and management in oncology nursing: Insights from a learning needs analysis...Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA), 26th Annual Congress, June 19-21, 2024, Brisbane, Queensland. Congresses and Conferences.....Queensland

Abstract

Introduction Symptom assessment and management is the cornerstone of quality care in oncology nursing. Contemporary resources and opportunities to advance skills through education and training are necessary. Objectives/Aims This learning needs analysis (LNA) of paediatric symptom assessment and management explored the current practices and perceptions of nurses, education curriculum content and recommendations in the literature. Description/Methodology The LNA involved a literature search, gap analysis, staff survey, and focus groups. The staff survey and focus groups determined the knowledge, confidence, and attitudes of nurses towards symptom assessment and management, their learning needs and preferred mode of education delivery. The survey was distributed to nursing staff using convenience sampling via email and QR code. Ethics approval was obtained for the online survey and participants consented electronically. Results/Outcomes Of the 28 responses, 79% of participants had more than five years' experience in assessing and managing symptoms in oncology. 96% of respondents thought symptom assessment/management education was valuable to their role and preferred case study discussions, scenario-based learnings, and learning packages/workbooks. 60% of participants preferred accessing education via face-to-face workshops or in-service. 54% of respondents were familiar with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS). Nurses reported greater knowledge, skills and confidence in assessing and managing physical symptoms (e.g., pain, nausea, and vomiting) when compared to psychological symptoms (e.g., sleep disturbance and fatigue). Confidence correlated with the availability of assessment tools and clinical practice guidelines. Results from the LNA will inform the development and implementation of targeted resources. Conclusions The LNA identified education delivery preferences and the need to further develop curricula to train oncology nurses on assessment and management strategies. The LNA highlighted the need to support staff in the assessment and management of psychological distress. Further research to explore the implementation context for education resources and PROMs to support symptom assessment and management is needed.