An End-of-Life Care Educational Series to Improve Staff Knowledge and Comfort Levels.

Nursing staff play a key role in enhancing a patient's quality of life during end of life; however, they perceive lack of knowledge to be the largest barrier in providing quality end-of-life (EOL) care. Literature suggests that implementation of palliative and EOL care education can improve nursing EOL care practices. In order to address the gap in nursing knowledge and comfort, a quasi-experimental study was conducted; this study included the implementation of a multimodal EOL care educational series on an inpatient pediatric hematology oncology floor over 6 months. Prior to implementation, nursing staff completed a survey to measure perceived knowledge and comfort level regarding EOL care. The series included didactic sessions, in-services, case studies, practice exercises, and interactive discussions led by an interprofessional team of nurses, child-life specialists, and social workers. Educational topics included EOL symptom management, child-life services, supportive care resources, COMFORT communication, and an End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium course. Following the educational series, the survey was repeated. Results of the survey demonstrated an increase in nursing knowledge and comfort levels. Significant improvements were observed across several items including medication management of dyspnea (χ1,83 =5.1, P = .023), comfort with implementing interventions (χ1,93 = 3.9, P = .049), and knowledge of hospital resources (χ1,93 = 6.1, P = .014). These results suggest that while EOL education strategies can vary, a combination of learner engagement tactics can increase knowledge and comfort regarding EOL concepts and potentially positively impact nursing practice.

Decreasing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections Acquired in the Home Setting Among Pediatric Oncology Patients [Formula: see text].

Most children receiving cancer treatment require a central venous catheter (CVC), putting them at risk for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). As patients are discharged home with a CVC in place, caregivers are expected to maintain the CVC following an in-hospital education session before their first discharge home. Following a review of the literature, the education process was modified to improve the quality of education for caregivers. While the existing step-by-step handbook was reviewed and deemed aligned with best practices, other materials were added for this project: a caregiver skills competency checklist, a handout reviewing oral care and hygiene in the home, and a guide for nurses on what materials to provide families at the time of diagnosis. Additionally, caregivers were required to receive two additional CVC care reinforcement sessions during subsequent admissions to the inpatient units, which involved redemonstrations of skills using the competency checklist. Home-acquired CLABSI in pre- and postintervention groups were compared, and compliance of reinforcement education was measured. Though no statistical significance was found, the odds of experiencing a CLABSI were found to be higher in the preintervention group for mucosal-barrier injury (odds ratio = 2.23; 95% confidence interval [0.43, 22.10]) and laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infections (odds ratio = 4.53; 95% confidence interval [0.59, 203.71]). The clinical significance of reducing home-acquired CLABSI has a positive impact on patient outcomes by decreasing morbidity and mortality, inpatient lengths of stay, and overall health care costs.

Back to Basics: CLABSI Reduction Through Implementation of an Oral Care and Hygiene Bundle.

Children with cancer often undergo treatments that render them severely immunocompromised. Side effects of treatment place them at risk for developing oral mucositis (OM), which can potentially lead to infection and bacteremia. Staff nurses on an inpatient pediatric oncology unit noted inconsistent daily oral hygiene practices despite assessing OM consistently. Basic oral hygiene can reduce the severity of OM, and evidence-based bundled care has shown to increase consistency of practice. Based on findings and recommendations from the literature, an oral care and hygiene bundle was developed. The oral care bundle included a soft bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, twice-daily brushing and sodium bicarbonate rinses, lip balm, and oral moisturizer. The hygiene component consisted of a daily bath or shower and daily linen changes. Education on the rationale and purpose for the use of an oral care and hygiene bundle was provided to the inpatient direct care staff prior to implementation on two inpatient oncology units. Audits were performed to measure the adherence of the oral care and hygiene bundle. Central line-associated bloodstream infections were measured in collaboration with the quality and infection prevention departments. Since the oral care and hygiene bundle was implemented, laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection rates decreased from 1.05 to 0.54 per 1,000 catheter days, while mucosal barrier injury rates decreased from 2.98 to 1.27 per 1,000 catheter days.

Inspire Certification Among Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses.

Professional certification validates nurses' knowledge and expertise in their specialty. In support of professional development, nursing excellence as a Magnet® designated hospital, and commitment to improve patient outcomes, increasing the number of certified pediatric hematology oncology nurses at Children's Hospital Los Angeles is a priority. Expert certified nurses and educators assessed current staff nurse perceptions of and motivations for becoming certified. A nurse survey was completed, and the results identified barriers to certification and the need for an onsite review course to encourage more nurses to take the Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON®) exam. The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) CPHON® test blueprint guided the development of the Children's Hospital Los Angeles review course curriculum. Certified nurse experts volunteered as course instructors to present an overview of pediatric cancer, pediatric hematology, psychosocial review, chemotherapy and related medications, and long-term effects. In addition to course didactics, interactive learning sessions were included to allow participants to question, discuss, and apply new knowledge. Sample test questions were provided to each participant for independent study post-course attendance. Each participant completed course evaluations to measure the usefulness of the content, environment, and teaching methods. Since the implementation of this course, the overall number of certified hematology oncology nurses has increased by 15.3%.

A self-care retreat for pediatric hematology oncology nurses.

Pediatric hematology oncology nurses face a variety of stressors while working in this specialty field. Through hematology oncology staff group discussions, nurses identified a myriad physical and emotional stressors they experienced, and expressed concern regarding possible burnout. They described facing stressors related to experiencing loss, grief, moral and ethical dilemmas, and administering complex treatment regimens. To address these concerns, a hematology oncology nursing supportive care committee envisioned and implemented 3 off-site self-care retreats. The committee's primary purpose was to create a therapeutic and supportive environment for all participants, while allowing time for relaxation, reflection, and serenity. The primary goals for the retreats were to heal nurses from their reported past trauma and stress and to provide them effective coping strategies for the ongoing stressors they will inevitably face. In a collaborative effort, the committee members developed an agenda including presentations, group discussions, and relaxation activities. Written evaluations were completed by each participant to assess the benefit of the retreat. Overall feedback was extremely positive, with the majority of the participants finding great value in this experience.