Evidence-Based Practice in Oncology Nursing: Oncology Nursing Society Survey Results

Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose Versus Calcium Alginate in Controlling Bleeding From Malignant Wounds: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus on the best intervention for topical management of bleeding in malignant wounds. Although surgical hemostatic dressings are recommended, the use of calcium alginate (CA) is frequent among practitioners.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemostatic efficacy of oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) and CA dressing in the management of bleeding from malignant wounds resulting from breast cancer.

METHODS

This was a randomized open clinical trial. The outcomes measured were total time to hemostasis and the number of hemostatic products used.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients were potentially eligible for the study, 1 did not consent, and 32 were assessed to be ineligible, resulting in a sample of 28 who were randomized to 2 study groups. Total time to hemostasis was 93.8 seconds in the ORC group, with an average of 30.1 seconds (95% confidence interval, 18.6-189 seconds), and 67 seconds in the CA group, with an average of 30.4 seconds (confidence interval, 21.7 seconds to imprecise upper limit). The main difference was 26.8 seconds. Kaplan-Meier log-rank test, and Cox model showed no statistical significance (P = 0.894). A total of 18 hemostatic products were used in the CA group and 34 in the ORC group. No adverse effects were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Although no significant differences were identified in terms of time, more hemostatic products were used in the ORC group, highlighting the effectiveness of CA.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Calcium alginate may be the first choice in the management of bleeding in malignant wounds, favoring nursing in the most immediate hemostatic actions.

Evidence Generation of Standard Nursing Protocol on Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia Among Oncology Nurses

Background Chemotherapy uses anti-neoplastic agents, the drugs used to treat malignancies. Neutropenia is associated with cytotoxic therapy. Anti-neoplastic agents are poisonous to the cells, affecting the synthesis of folic acid and damaging the DNA, RNA, and protein that damage the bone marrow. Destruction of bone marrow decreases absolute neutrophil count in the blood. To assess the baseline data and practice of oncology nurses, develop and implement the evidence-based standard nursing protocol, assess the satisfaction level of the patients for the utility of the standard nursing protocol, find out the correlation between knowledge and practice and to associate the knowledge and practice score with selected demographic variables. Material And Method In the study quasi-experimental design was utilized. The study was conducted at Siddharth Gupta Memorial Cancer Hospital, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha city, between June to Aug 2022 Result The result of the study shows the mean value per existing knowledge is 7.59 and practices is 37.95, post knowledge is 14.23, and post practices is 71.15. The standard deviation values of per exiting knowledge are 2.67 and, practice 3.09 and, post knowledge is 2.32, post practices are 1.32. The calculated t-value of knowledge is 46.57and the p-value is 0001. The calculated t-value of practice is 12.03, and the p-value is 0.0001. Conclusion The present research concluded that the knowledge and skills of oncology nurses are enhanced after implementing the standard nursing protocol.

Equipping Nurses to Lead Evidence-Based Practice: An Opportunity for Professional Nursing Associations

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the evidence-based practice (EBP) attributes among California nurse leaders who are members of a professional nursing organization.

BACKGROUND

Nurse leaders are pivotal for successful EBP implementation. The Association of California Nurse Leaders' (ACNL) mission to equip nurses to lead self, others, and systems propelled them to conduct a study of members' EBP beliefs, knowledge, competencies, and implementation.

METHODS

Evidence-based practice attributes of California nurse leaders were measured using valid and reliable scales via an anonymous, electronic survey.

RESULTS

Although ahead in the subjective EBP scales, California nurse leaders' perceptions of organizational EBP culture were comparable with those of a similar national sample. Scores still indicated opportunities for improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurse leaders must be prepared to lead EBP in their organizations. Professional organizations such as ACNL have an opportunity to help leaders by conducting research and assessing and meeting their members' learning needs.