Implementation of a Malignant Hematology Education Intervention and its Impact on Hematology Nurse Practitioner Knowledge and Self-Efficacy to Practice.

Abstract

Background: Nurse practitioners (NPs) entering the malignant hematology specialty often lack hematology-specific knowledge needed for practice; many have reported they want and need more hematology education. Deficiencies in hematology education stem from the minimal amount of hematology content included in NP programs and during job orientation. Knowledge deficits among NPs are associated with unpreparedness to practice and feelings of anxiety, insecurity, inadequacy, and guilt. Self-efficacy (SE) is a correlate to NP knowledge acquisition and competency development.

Purpose: This was a process improvement effort to examine the impact of a malignant hematology education module on NP knowledge and SE to practice in malignant hematology.

Methods: A convenience sample of 11 NP participants were recruited during onboarding to a hematology department in a tertiary care cancer hospital in Southern California. Participants completed an online learning module containing education about hematological malignancies. A pretest and posttest design using questionnaires was employed for data collection. Knowledge and SE scores obtained before and after the intervention were compared to assess for improvement.

Results: Posttest NP knowledge scores increased by a mean of 2.4 points (20%; mean pretest: 7.1/12, posttest: 9.5/12), p < .05. Posttest scores for NP SE were similar to baseline (mean pretest: 32.6/40 points, posttest: 32.3/40), p > .05. Participants reported that the intervention was helpful in the onboarding process. Implications/Conclusion: The findings help establish the feasibility of a malignant hematology learning module in increasing knowledge for NPs during onboarding. Integrating an education module into NP job training may increase knowledge and preparedness to practice in malignant hematology.