Comparison of the effect of training chemotherapy service management standards by booklet and cellphone applications on nurses' awareness and adherence

Improper administration of chemotherapy drugs has many risks for nurses and adherence to standards prevents irreparable harm. This study was conducted to compare the effect of training chemotherapy service management standards by booklet and cellphone application on nurses' awareness and adherence.

In a quasi-experimental study in 2020, 75 available nurses of oncology and chemotherapy departments were selected. Samples were randomly assigned to three groups. Data collection tools were demographic questionnaires and Ahmadi standardized questionnaire for assessing awareness and adherence. The samples participated in the pre-test by completing the questionnaires. One group was trained in chemotherapy standards with a cellphone app. The other group received the training through a booklet. The control group did not receive any training. 15 days later, the questionnaires were completed again and post-test was taken. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics (number, percentage, mean, standard deviation) and inferential tests (one-way analysis of variance, post hoc LSD, paired t-test, Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis).

Before the intervention, the mean score of awareness and adherence to chemotherapy standards was not significantly different between groups (P> 0.05); But after the intervention, the mean scores of nurses' adherence in the cellphone aining group were higher than the other two groups (P <0.001). The mean score of nurses' awareness in the two intervention groups was higher than the control group (P <0.001).

Nurses need specialized and supplementary training to increase awareness of chemotherapy standards. Due to their busy schedule, the mobile application provides quick access to information, which, following these principles, is preferable to teaching with a booklet.