Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Patricia Schweickert

Abstract

AbstractUp to 50% of patients diagnosed with cancer will experience significant levels of distress. Cancer is related to psychological distress and can negatively impact recovery from surgery, increase treatment side effects, and decrease overall quality of life. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommended screening for distress as part of comprehensive cancer care. In the practice setting, there was a need for better assessment of distress in cancer patients. The purpose of this staff education project was to address a gap in practice regarding the lack of knowledge of screening for distress by providing education to oncology nurses on how to identify and manage cancer-related distress in patients with cancer. The practice-focused question asked whether oncology nurses increased their knowledge on how to identify and manage patients with cancer-related distress after an education program. The Roy adaptation model was used to inform this project. The staff education session delivered via the zoom platform lasted 20 minutes. A pre and posttest questionnaire was used to assess improvement in knowledge. Six oncology nurses participated in the study. Data analysis from a paired samples t test showed no statistically significant improvement in knowledge: pretest (M = 32.33, SD = 3.83), posttest (M =38.33, SD = 7.47), paired differences (M = -6.50, SD = 7.61), t = -2.09, df = 5, p = .091. However, all participants strongly agreed or agreed that the program increased their knowledge of cancer-related distress. Findings may contribute to social change by improving nursing knowledge, adding to the body of nursing knowledge, and improving quality of life for patients with cancer.

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