EFFECT OF NURSING INSTRUCTIONS ON PATIENTS WITH LIVER TUMOR UNDERGOING RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION

Abstract

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is one of the most effective of the new non-invasive procedures. It has shown promise in treating selected solid tumors, particularly those involving the liver, kidneys, lungs, and the musculoskeletal system. This study aims to assess the effect of nursing instructions on patients with liver tumor undergoing radiofrequency ablation through; assessing patient's needs pre and post radiofrequency ablation procedure, assessing nurses level of knowledge and performance regarding radiofrequency ablation procedure, developing and implementing nursing instructions regarding radiofrequency ablation procedure based on needs assessment, evaluating the effect of nursing instructions on the level of; patient's satisfaction and nurses’ knowledge and performance. The study was carried out at the Radiology Department in Ain Shams University Specialized Hospital. The study was conducted on all available nurses working at the Radiology Department nurses and one hundred patients with liver tumor undergoing radiofrequency ablation was admitted to the Radiology Department of the previously mentioned hospital: Tools of the study:1)Patient Assessment Questionnaire sheet, which includes; A) Patient demographic data; B)Patient’s level of satisfaction, C) Patient level of anxiety and D)Physical Assessment. 2- Nurses’ Questionnaire Sheet which includes; A)Nurses demographic data; B) Level of knowledge; C) Observational checklist. 3- Nursing Instructions: these instructions are divided to 5 parts including knowledge about RFA procedure. The results of the study revealed that post nursing instructions three fifth of nurses had satisfactory level of knowledge, mean level of nurses’ performance was ±62.3, mean level of patients’ anxiety were±11.2, satisfactory level of patients satisfaction was 64.0% Conclusions: Nursing instructions significantly and positively affected on; nurses’ level of knowledge and performance as well as effected positively on patients’ level of anxiety and satisfaction among study group compared with the control group. Recommendation: Establishing an orientation program for newly appointed nurses about interventional radiology to improve their knowledge and practices. Model discharge plan to be designed for patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation for liver tumor, including allowed activities, diet, signs and symptoms of complications, and site of referral when any complications occur. Key Words: Radiofrequency ablation, Nursing instructions, performance= paractice