Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2018

A survey of the Western Australian Cancer Nurse Coordinators:  A comparison of attitudes and knowledge about smoking cessation interventions and nicotine dependence pre and post online training. (#375)

Caitlin Broderick 1 , Kirsten Mooney 1
  1. WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network, Nedlands, WA, Australia

Aim:

To assess change in the knowledge, confidence and attitudes of the Cancer Nurse Coordinators (CNCs) on smoking cessation and assessment of nicotine dependence, and compare results pre and post online training.

Methodology

Between September and December 2016, all CNC’s (n=32) working for Western Australian Cancer and Palliative Care Network (WACPCN), completed an electronic survey prior to mandatory training for smoking cessation. In March 2017, the same survey was sent to assess post-training changes with a 2 week timeframe for return.

The survey was reviewed by the WACPCN Nursing Quality Improvement Committee, and submitted to the Governance, Evidence, Knowledge, Outcomes database.

Results

The response rates were, pre survey n=20 (63%) and n=18 (56%) post survey. Pre and post training results are as follows:

  • CNCs perceive smoking cessation impacts on cancer patient’s outcome, treatment and quality of life (pre n=17, 85% versus post n=18, 100%)
  • Awareness of the 5A’s model of brief interventions improved (pre n=3, 15% versus post n=18, 100%)
  • Knowledge of the Fagerstrom assessment tool for nicotine dependence increased (pre n=5, 25% versus post n=18, 100%)
  • Routine assessment of smoking status improved (pre n=9, 45% versus post n=15, 83%)
  • Routine education on smoking cessation slightly improved (pre n=7, 35% versus post n=10, 58%)
  • Confidence in providing advice improved (pre n=6, 30%, versus post n=11, 61%)
  • Routine assessment of nicotine dependence remained low (pre n=2, 10% versus post n=3, 18%).

Conclusion

The online education improved the CNC’s attitudes, knowledge and confidence regarding smoking cessation assessment and interventions, however only low numbers routinely assess nicotine dependence. A future interactive training session will be delivered to CNCs with an aim to improve confidence and skills. Further surveys will be delivered to gauge implementation of knowledge and skills into practice.