Impact of a structured educational programme for caregivers of children with cancer on parental knowledge of the disease and paediatric clinical outcomes during the first year of treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a structured educational programme for caregivers of children with cancer on their level of knowledge about the disease and patient's clinical outcome. METHODS: This prospective, non-randomised, experimental study included caregivers of recently diagnosed children at two hospitals in Chile. Caregivers whose children were treated at the first centre were the structured education programme group (EPG), while the second hospital provided the standard care (SCG). We evaluated caregivers' level of knowledge on days 1, 10 and 90 as well as the children's clinical outcomes over 1 year of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 102 caregivers were enrolled between 2014 and 2015. Only the EPG showed a significant increase in knowledge between days 1 and 90. The rate of central venous catheter infections was significantly lower in the EPG versus SCG (7% versus 26%; p = .01). The risk ratio was 0.35 (95% CI = 0.13-0.94), and a log-rank test showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = .018). There were also fewer Emergency Department visits in the EPG for fever episodes. CONCLUSION: Providing a structured education to caregivers increased their level of knowledge and improved the clinical outcome of their children during the first year of treatment.

The Latin American Center for Pediatric Oncology Nursing Education: development, implementation, and accomplishments.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric oncology nurses in low- and middle-income countries have limited access to specialized education and clinical training. This is a major impediment for treating children with cancer and contributes to the disparity in survival rates between high- and low-income countries. The International Outreach Nursing Program at St Jude Children's Research Hospital established full-time nurse educator positions at partner sites throughout Latin America. Experienced nurses were hired as educators; however, they had no formal pediatric oncology education, limited teaching experience, and no mentors as this was a new nursing role in low- and middle-income countries. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to create a regional education center to prepare nurse educators to succeed in this pioneering role. INTERVENTIONS: The Latin American Center for Pediatric Oncology Nursing Education was created at Calvo Mackenna Hospital in Santiago, Chile, to provide education, resources, and support to educators. Education resources, including a comprehensive orientation program and courses in chemotherapy and central venous line care, were developed. A 4-week on-site comprehensive educator course and an organized support system were implemented. RESULTS: Education, resources, and support have been provided to 13 nurse educators representing 7 Latin American countries. The educators have provided pediatric oncology education to more than 1000 nurses. CONCLUSIONS: The center promotes excellence in pediatric oncology nursing by preparing and supporting educators, who in turn educate the entire nursing staff at partner sites. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurse educators equipped with knowledge and skills can improve the quality of care and ultimately survival of patients throughout Latin America.