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- Title
IMPACT OF AN ONCOLOGY NURSING CRITICAL THINKING PROJECT.
- Authors
Westlake, Susan; Delzer, Nancy; O'Connell, Patty; Quinn-Casper, Patricia
- Abstract
The ability to think critically, and sensitively, is an essential component of competent oncology nursing practice. The impact of an innovative project designed to foster such thinking is examined in the one-year evaluation data from 90 nurses. The enduring influence of the critical thinking experience is highlighted and implications for oncology nursing practice are discussed. The purpose of the project was to enhance competency in critical thinking and foster change in clinical practice. Small discussion groups of inpatient and outpatient nurses, facilitated by clinical educators, critically analyzed a videotape compiled from interviews with six oncology patients. The patients had been asked to describe their experience of living with cancer. The ONS 14 high-incidence problem areas provided the framework for organizing the interview excerpts, and video collages were developed to support a 4-year clinical education plan. Brief biographies and treatment histories were used to frame each patient's experience. A facilitator guide was formulated specific to disease pathophysiology, diagnostic work-up, staging, psychosocial adjustment, and treatment regimens and their complications. Evidence-based nursing strategies were stressed. The nurses shared clinical anecdotes, insights, and learning with colleagues as they reflected on the rich dimensions of patient and family experience portrayed. The 2-hour module created a unique opportunity for nurses to translate patient experiences into new clinical realities. Evaluation data were obtained immediately after and at one year following the sessions. Scaled self-report responses indicated the sessions positively affected daily practice through enhanced communication skills and oncology knowledge, strengthened relationships with colleagues, and improved patient and family teaching. Themes of enhanced sensitivity to patient and family experience, a broadened oncology knowledge base, and a heightened sense of self-confidence and esteem for colleagues emerged from the qualitative data. The use of a didactic method, grounded in patient stories, provides an engaging and non-threatening opportunity for nurses to experience shared learning. Critical thinking is enhanced when it is based in clinical reality and directly applicable to each nurse's practice. This innovative approach of thoughtful clinical inquiry is relevant for all dimensions of oncology nursing.
- Subjects
CRITICAL thinking; DECISION making in clinical medicine; NURSING practice; ONCOLOGY nursing; CANCER patients
- Publication
Oncology Nursing Forum, 2007, Vol 34, Issue 2, p517
- ISSN
0190-535X
- Publication type
Article