Nurses' Practices in Targeted Therapies in Turkey

Abstract

Purpose: The number of targeted agents has increased over the last years. The aim of this study was to explore the current practice and knowledge of nurses about targeted therapies and to identify the gap in their management in Turkey.

Methods: Nurses who attended to the oncology nursing educational programs organised by the Turkish Oncology Nursing Association were invited to participate. A total of 187 nurses from 29 cities responded. Data were collected via a 30-item questionnaire on demographics and knowledge and practices on targeted therapies. Following this survey nurses were invited to participate in 'target' courses.

Results: More than half of them (57.2%) stated they were willing to receive information on targeted therapies, mostly through in-service education (32.7%). Also, most of them were partly (67.3%) or not satisfied (24.3%) with their knowledge. Only few explained what targeted therapies are and how they work. While most of them responded correctly about how and where to store targeted drugs, few (1.8%) wrote that these agents should be stored in freezer. The majority stated that targeted agents should be prepared like the chemotherapy drugs.

Conclusions: Lack of knowledge may cause errors and influence drug effectiveness. Nurses need to be supported with information. This survey revealed the needs in nursing practice over targeted therapies, side-effects and management.