Nursing Knowledge, Practice Patterns, and Learning Preferences Regarding Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Purpose/Objectives: To explore nurses' practice patterns, knowledge, and barriers related to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional.

Setting: The United States.

Sample: 408 oncology nurses.

Methods: A team of eight experts met and developed the CIPN nurse knowledge and preferences survey, which was electronically sent to randomly selected nurses.

Main Research Variables: The survey assessed nurses' knowledge and practice patterns regarding assessment strategies and barriers, evidence-based interventions, preferences for education, and perceived gaps in scientific knowledge.

Findings: Nurses in the survey lacked knowledge regarding neurotoxicity of specific agents and evidence-based treatments. CIPN-focused physical examinations and standardized measurement tools were infrequently used during assessment. The most frequently reported barriers to CIPN assessment included lack of access to measurement tools, lack of specialized skills needed for assessment, lack of confidence, and lack of time. Recommendations for future research included CIPN prevention research, exploration of CIPN-related effects on quality of life, and alternative treatments of CIPN. The majority of participants preferred online educational opportunities.

Conclusions: Nurses do not consistently integrate evaluation and management of CIPN in their practices.

Implications for Nursing: Educational offerings should incorporate web-based CIPN assessment and management content.