Achieving global standards in pediatric oncology nursing: pediatric oncology clinical profile of Turkey

Abstract

Background: Nurses have an important role in improving the quality of care for pediatric oncology patients. In this context, it is important for nurses to apply care within the framework of international standards. This study aimed to examine the status of reaching the global nursing standards determined by SIOP in pediatric oncology nursing in Turkey. Methods: The descriptive study was conducted with nurse managers in 62 pediatric oncology centers in Turkey between February and May 2022. The ‘Information Form' and six global nursing standards created by the SIOP Nurse Working Group were transformed into a form by the researchers. were used for data collection. Participants were asked to respond as ‘Available' or ‘Not Available' in the clinics of these standards. The data were obtained online by reaching the nurse managers in cooperation with the Oncology Nursing Association and the Turkish Pediatric Oncology Group. Results: It was determined the mean number of beds in the clinics was 21.73±11.28, the number of nurses working in the clinics was 14.00±6.96, there were no specialist nurses in 68.2% of the clinics, and specialist nurses were included in the rotations in 18.2% of the clinics. It was found that 27.3% of the clinics met the nurse standard for five patients, I72.7% of the clinics applied for an orientation program, 77.3% of clinics applied at least 10 hours of continuous training program annually. 77.3% of clinics accepted nurses as part of a multidisciplinary team, 63.6% had all resources available for safe pediatric oncology care, 63.6% adopted evidence-based pediatric oncology nursing policies and procedures, and 36.4% were financially supported in research conducted to improve nursing policies and procedures. Conclusions: It was determined that it was insufficient to meet the standards developed for pediatric oncology nurses in pediatric oncology clinics in Turkey. It was determined that the number of specialist nurses working in the clinics is low, the number of patients a nurse takes care of is high, and the nurses are not financially supported enough in their research to develop nursing policies and procedures. It is important that managers and associations have action plans that require pediatric oncology nurses to reach global standards.