Knowledge and practice among Hong Kong oncology nurses in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

PURPOSE: To examine nurses' roles in the prevention and management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), and to identify their related educational needs. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with a self-reported survey completed by 103 oncology nurses caring for and administering chemotherapy to cancer patients in the department of oncology in three Hong Kong public hospitals. The survey was developed to identify key issues pertinent to the role of nurses in managing CINV. Data were collected from the following areas (a) demographics, (b) assessment of CINV, (c) CINV management and (d) barriers and facilitators to good CINV practice. RESULTS: Only a third of respondents performed a CINV assessment before starting chemotherapy, and more than 40% reported that the use of a standardised assessment tool was uncommon. Nearly half recognised that they had inadequate knowledge of different aspects of CINV, but the majority could clearly state the most common pharmacological agents used to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea (88.3%) and vomiting (87.4%). The barriers respondents most frequently encountered in CINV prevention and management were lack of time and a heavy workload. Adopting a standardised CINV assessment tool and management protocol together with further professional training were identified as the major facilitators in improving CINV prevention and management. CONCLUSIONS: Respondents perceived their knowledge of CINV prevention and management as inadequate. There is a need to adopt a standardised assessment tool, to develop a management protocol and to introduce further professional training to meet the expanding needs of both patients and nurses.