Development of Learning Program for Supporting the Operative Nurses’ Competencies in Nursing Care of Patients with Endometrial Cancer, Sawanpracharak Hospital.

Abstract

Objective: To develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a learning program to enhance operating room nurses’ competencies in caring for patients with endometrial cancer.

Methods: This research and development study consisted of 4 phases: situation analysis, program development, program implementation, and outcome evaluation. The sample comprised 34 professional nurses working in operating rooms and 40 endometrial cancer patients undergoing surgery. Data collection instruments included knowledge assessment forms, nursing skills evaluation forms (covering five domains: art of care, patient assessment, patient preparation, complication surveillance and monitoring, and effective communication), satisfaction assessment forms, and clinical incident records for both patients and staff. Data analysis included descriptive statistics using frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation to describe baseline data, knowledge, skills, and satisfaction. Paired t-test and an independent t-test were used to compare mean differences in knowledge and nursing skills scores. Fisher’s Exact test was used to compare patient incidents between groups.

Results: The developed learning program utilized microlearning through online systems, simulation-based practice, and digital media for knowledge exchange. After program implementation, nurses significantly improved knowledge scores from 13.8±2.3 to 17.4±1.4 points. All nursing skill domains increased significantly, particularly in patient safety (from 31.8±2.0 to 36.9±1.3 points) and pre-operative patient preparation (from 14.6±1.6 to 19.9±5.0 points). Nurses reported the highest level of satisfaction with the program. Although adverse clinical incidents for both patients and staff decreased in the patient group, the reduction was not statistically significant (p-value> 0.05).

Conclusion: This program development emphasized learner participation, which aligns well with adult learning principles. It can be effectively implemented to develop the potential of operating room nurses and nursing personnel caring for this patient group. The program helps elevate knowledge, skills, and operational competencies, leading to improved quality of care and patient safety outcomes.

Keywords: Operating Room Nurses, Endometrial Cancer, Perioperative Nursing Care, Competency Development, Learning Program