Oncology Nurses’ Knowledge of Chemotherapy Administration in a Tertiary Centre in Ghana: A Qualitative Study
Cynthia Pomaa Akuoko *
Christian Service University, Kumasi, Ghana and Coventry University, Coventry, UK and Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, Accra, Ghana.
Cecilia Anaba
Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, Accra, Ghana and Oncology Unit, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana.
Rasheed Ofosu-Poku
Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, Accra, Ghana and Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Hospital, Asokore, Ghana.
Hagar Amoah
Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, Accra, Ghana.
John Antwi
Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, Accra, Ghana and Directorate of Internal Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Chemotherapy is a major treatment modality in cancer management, requiring precise knowledge and skill to ensure safe and effective administration. Nurses, as frontline providers in oncology care, must possess a sound understanding of chemotherapy principles to minimise risks and enhance patient outcomes. Despite the critical role of oncology nurses in chemotherapy administration, evidence regarding their knowledge in the Ghanaian context remains limited, creating uncertainty about educational needs and areas for professional development.
Aim: This study aimed to examine the knowledge of oncology nurses at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital regarding chemotherapy administration.
Methodology: An exploratory qualitative design was employed. Thirteen (13) oncology nurses were purposively sampled and participated in focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings: Two major themes emerged from the analysis: nurses' knowledge of appropriate chemotherapy administration, and knowledge of factors considered in determining chemotherapy drug dosages. Nurses demonstrated substantial knowledge of chemotherapy classifications, treatment principles, dosage calculations, patient assessment requirements, and toxicity monitoring. However, gaps were identified regarding certain patient-specific considerations, particularly age-related factors influencing treatment decisions.
Conclusion: Oncology nurses demonstrated generally good knowledge of chemotherapy administration and dosage determination. However, the identified gaps in patient-specific treatment considerations highlight the need for targeted continuing professional education and competency-based training programmes to strengthen safe chemotherapy administration and optimise patient outcomes.
Keywords: Chemotherapy, oncology nursing, nursing knowledge, drug administration, cancer treatment