Needs analysis and development of a staff well-being program in a pediatric oncology, hematology, and palliative care services group

Development and psychometric evaluation of a tool to assess oncology nurses' occupational health needs

BACKGROUND

Oncology nurses are confronted with various occupational hazards; consequently, it is of great importance to identify and measure their occupational health needs. Due to the fact that standard tools are not available to assess these needs, this study was conducted to develop a tool for assessing oncology nurses' occupational health needs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study consisted of two phases from 2020 to 2021. The first phase was item generation and tool design. The initial development of the item pool was based on the result of the qualitative study and literature search. The second phase was item reduction and psychometric evaluation of the formulated tool including, face, content, and construct validity and reliability. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis and convergent validity with the participation of 300 oncology nurses. The reliability of the tool was assessed using internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest (intra-cluster correlation coefficient).

RESULTS

The mean content validity index (CVI) of the tool was 0.95. The results of exploratory factor analysis showed that this tool consisted of 69 items and four factors, explaining 65.88% of the variance. The results of the convergent validity assessment showed a significant positive correlation between the mean scores of occupational health needs and occupational stress (P < 0.0001 and r = 0.40). Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.98) and tool stability (0.98) confirmed the appropriate reliability of the tool.

CONCLUSION

The developed tool is recommended as a valid and reliable tool for assessing oncology nurses' occupational health needs that can be used both in practice and in future studies.

Factors Influencing Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurse Retention: A Scoping Review

Background: Nursing staff retention is an ongoing concern within pediatric hematology/oncology settings globally. Work-related stressors cause emotional burden, psychological distress, and burnout to which nurses respond by leaving their workplace. Consequently, workplace culture and functionality are negatively impacted, quality of care reduces, and potential harm to patients increases. This paper aims to identify the "most" influencing factors for intention to leave among pediatric hematology/oncology nurses. Methods: A systematic search was undertaken on 29 July 2021 across five electronic databases, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Joanna Briggs Institute, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science, using MeSH and keywords related to pediatric hematology/oncology nurse retention. Results: The initial search yielded 283 articles. Following abstract and full-text review, nine articles met inclusion criteria. Across all studies, strong links between health service organizational factors (e.g., unit acuity and time constraints), clinician demographics (e.g., age, education, experience, and coping mechanisms), and nursing retention within pediatric hematology/oncology settings were observed. Direct patient care and long-term relationships with pediatric hematology/oncology patients were identified as the most frequent and intense stressors, while also presenting the most rewarding aspect of the nurse's work. Discussion: Clinician burnout and retention were found to be complex and multifaceted organizational and individual issues, which most importantly evolved from accumulative exposure to specialty-specific stressors. Interventions to prevent clinician burnout and improve staff retention, therefore, need to comprise individual and organizational level strategies specific to the healthcare context.

Exploring the occupational health needs of oncology nurses: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Although the work environment of oncology nurses is highly complex and challenging, their occupational health needs are scarcely studied. This study aimed to explore the occupational health needs of oncology nurses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This qualitative descriptive study was conducted in 2018-2019. The participants consisted of 52 oncology nurses and 11 other key informants. They were chosen from eight cancer treatment centers in different cities of Iran. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and analyzed using conventional content analysis.

RESULTS

The occupational health needs of oncology nurses were grouped into three main categories included needs for self-care, development of professional competency, and a safe and healthy work environment.

CONCLUSION

The work environment of oncology nurses needs to be optimized in terms of physical, psychological, organizational, and sociocultural conditions. Furthermore, the necessary measures should be taken to encourage oncology nurses to implement self-care, thus creating the preparedness to face the challenges of the workplace by developing their professional competencies.

A Cross-sectional Analysis of Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, and Compassion Satisfaction in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Physicians in the United States

Compassion fatigue (CF), burnout (BO), and compassion satisfaction (CS) are interrelated phenomena that impact personal and professional performance. The CF and Satisfaction Self-Test and a demographic questionnaire were distributed electronically to pediatric hematology-oncology physicians nationally. Linear regression models for CF, BO, and CS as a function of potential predictors were constructed. Survey response rate was 28%. Female sex, BO score, distress about a "clinical situation," and "teaching" were associated with higher CF scores. "Administrative activities" were associated with lower CF scores. CF score, and distress about "administrative burden/academic stress" and "coworkers" were associated with higher BO scores. CS score and "socializing" were associated with lower BO scores. "Exercise," "socializing," and "talking with partner" were associated with higher CS scores. CF and BO scores, emotional depletion, and distress about the "work environment" and "administrative/academic burden" were associated with lower CS scores. Our data highlights the importance of strong social connections at work and at home to decrease BO and enhance CS. Professional development in leadership, communication, and conflict resolution, as well as "team building" events may perpetuate coworker relationships. Education about the importance of connectedness and self-care should begin early in medical education to cultivate robust coping mechanisms in trainees.