CN86 - Advanced breast cancer care for nurses (ABC4Nurses): A mixed-methods evaluation of an online educational programme

Background

For people living with advanced breast cancer (ABC), specialist nursing is recognised as an essential component of care. However, access to specialist education and training in ABC is limited, contributing to variability in the availability of clinical specialist nurse services throughout Europe. The ABC4Nurses education programme was co-designed with experts by experience and profession in ABC and translated into four European languages following a systematic review and Delphi study to determine priority topics for nurse education in ABC. The aim of this study is to evaluate the implementation and perceived impact of the education programme from the perspectives of nurses who have completed the programme.

Methods

A mixed-methods evaluation was undertaken, guided by the Kirkpatrick framework (1967). Questionnaires were administered prior to commencing the programme to evaluate expectations for the programme (T1), and immediately after completion of the programme (T2) to assess overall satisfaction and personal views of the programme. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were held with a smaller number of participants to explore the perceived impact of the programme on ABC care in the participants’ place of work.

Results

Of 655 registered participants, 188 (29%) participated in T1, and to date, 53 (30%) of these participants have completed all 6 modules, and the T2 questionnaire. T1 participants (n=188) were from the UK (27%), Spain (26%), Turkey (18%) and the Czech Republic (13%). ABC4Nurses has been evaluated positively by T2 participants (n=53), with 94% reporting that the programme has helped them in their work and would recommend this programme to their co-workers. On average, participants felt prepared to care for people with ABC (Mean: 8.2, SD: 1.5) and were committed to applying learning from the programme in their roles (Mean: 9.1, SD: 1.6).

Conclusions

This study shows that a novel, co-designed online learning programme in ABC was effective in enhancing cancer nurses’ confidence and commitment to the delivery of care to people living with ABC. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the potential reach of the programme as a result of the programme being available in an accessible, translated format.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

Dublin City University.

Funding

Pfizer.

Disclosure

T. Wiseman, A. Drury: Financial Interests, Institutional, Funding: EONS/Pfizer. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.