Chemotherapy in Children and Nursing Training

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Research Problem and Purpose
Literature Review and Nursing Framework
Research Questions and Hypotheses
Variables and Research Design
Validity and Efficacy of Research
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Cultural Aspects, Sample, and Procedures
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Chemotherapy is widely used in medicine to combat malignant tumors. The method is based on the induction of potent toxic drugs that destroy cancer cells or stop their development (Cardonick, Gringlas, Hunter, & Greenspan, 2015). By direct intervention to the process of cell formation, doctors can correct infringements in the patient’s body. Chemotherapy treatment of cancer in many cases becomes the only way to save a person’s life. There are, however, severe side effects of using chemical substances when curing cancer, especially for children (Sposito et al., 2015). The research by Uzun and Kucuk investigates how nursing training on side effects of chemotherapy given to caregivers of children with cancer may improve the overall situation and alleviate the consequences. The subsequent paragraphs provide an evaluation of this research paper and discuss its main points.

Research Problem and Purpose

Potential complications may arise when applying chemotherapy for curing cancer in children. All treatment processes should be appropriately managed to minimize side effects. This research paper studies the impact of training on chemotherapy implications provided by attending nurses to caregivers. Its purpose is to prove that there is a positive influence of preparation in reducing adverse consequences for children. Caregivers are the ones who are the most responsible for helping the child, and proper training should be given to them on the detection, prevention, and management of adverse outcomes related to chemotherapy.

Literature Review and Nursing Framework

It is difficult to relate this study to a concrete nursing framework or theory because the research is on the influence of nursing training on caregivers rather than direct nurse-patient interventions. However, because receiving education to prevent and manage consequences is a form of learning about the transition process, it can be said that this study relies on Transitions Theory of Afaf Meleis. There is no section dedicated for a literature review, but background information is given in the “Introduction” section of the paper. It includes related facts and previous studies that have been conducted on this topic.

Research Questions and Hypotheses

Uzun and Kucuk pose several questions on cancer, chemotherapy side effects, and children. These questions include whether current nurse interventions sufficiently fulfill patient requirements and whether it is possible to introduce caregiver interventions to facilitate the treatment process (Uzun & Kucuk, 2019). The researchers believe in the effectiveness of planned nursing training caregivers receive on the chemotherapy side effects. There are studies that were conducted previously, which show the potential connection between proposed training and a decreased adverse influence of chemotherapy (Uzun & Kucuk, 2019). The scholars aim to consolidate this theory by proving the stated hypothesis.

Variables and Research Design

The study features a single-group pre-test-post-test experimental design. The appropriateness of this design can be supported by its simplicity and the lack of complexity when assessing the effects of the interventions. In other words, it is easier to see what was before and what happened after the test. Study variables include sociodemographic characteristics of caregivers, and their knowledge on chemotherapy, oral care, and an ability to manage infection risk, and bleeding risk. Data was also collected on children with cancer, particularly their age, gender, and diagnosis.

Validity and Efficacy of Research

Although generalizability of this study may be put under question, its validity is maintained through precise design, appropriate methods for data collection and analysis, and presented results. The efficacy, however, is controversial because only knowledge of risks and side effects was assessed, and not necessarily how effectively this knowledge is being applied. This is a significant disadvantage of this study that should have been eliminated.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

Before conducting the tests and initiating this research, ethical approval was received from Ankara Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Training and Research Hospital. All participating caregivers gave informed consent prior to interviews and tests. There is no information, however, on how the data of participants was protected, and whether the children were willing to take part in the surveys. Additionally, no information is given on potential legal concerns, but this may be because the study was ethically approved, and the reference to the approval document is attached.

Cultural Aspects, Sample, and Procedures

The only cultural aspect that can be mentioned is that the sample only comprised of women who were in the hospital in the city center of Ankara. Cultural implications may exist due to the difference of lifestyles between those who reside in Ankara downtown, and people living in rural areas. The study sample consisted of caregivers of 40 children with cancer that were receiving treatment at a pediatric oncology hospital in Ankara center between December 1, 2014, and December 1, 2015. The whole procedure consisted of several steps: initial interview, pre-test, training, and post-test.

Conclusion

Researchers found a tight connection between training provided by nurses and the prevention of risks related to chemotherapy in children with cancer. Potential impacts include the broad introduction of related short educational programs that target caregivers, training manuals, and nurse briefings. Student nurses can benefit from the fact that daily interventions in the form of educational sessions for caregivers can significantly help children receiving chemotherapy.

References

Cardonick, E. H., Gringlas, M. B., Hunter, K., & Greenspan, J. (2015). Development of children born to mothers with cancer during pregnancy: Comparing in utero chemotherapy-exposed children with nonexposed controls. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 212(5), 658.e1-658.e8.

Sposito, A. M. P., Silva‐Rodrigues, F. M., Sparapani, V. D. C., Pfeifer, L. I., de Lima, R. A. G., & Nascimento, L. C. (2015). Coping strategies used by hospitalized children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 47(2), 143-151.

Uzun, Z., & Kucuk, S. (2019). Side effects of chemotherapy in children with cancer: Effects of nursing training administered to caregivers. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 36(4), 37-44.

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