Radiation oncology knowledge levels among nurses working in oncological branches

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the radiation oncology knowledge level among nurses working in oncological branches.

A questionnaire inquiring about the radiation oncology knowledge level of nurses was developed and applied. Participants were composed of nurses working in oncology-related branches in a University Hospital. Fifty-eight nurses participated in the survey and answers were analyzed.

The vast majority of nurses (93.2%) stated that their knowledge about radiation oncology was inadequate. Furthermore, nurses with work experience of 12 years and more, who were defined as an experienced group, gave statistically significantly better answers to the three questions which were about the curative indications of radiotherapy (p=0.001), its use in oncological emergencies (p=0.01), and radiotherapy equipment (p=0.01).

Nurses from different oncological branches will come across with many patients receiving radiotherapy during the course of their professional life. It is of great significance for nurses to be aware of the general aspects and side effects of radiation therapy as one of the main modalities in oncology. It must be considered to create both graduate and post-graduate education programs about radiation oncology to increase the exposure among nurses.