Nursing knowledge in cardio-oncology: results of an international learning needs-assessment survey

Abstract Background With early detection and improvements in systemic and local therapies, millions of people are surviving cancer, but for some at a high cost. In some cancer types, cardiovascular disease now competes with recurrent cancer as the cause of death. Traditional care models, in which th...

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Main Authors: Anecita Fadol, Geraldine Lee, Valerie Shelton, Kelly C. Schadler, Asma Mohammed Younus, Mary Stuart, Lisa Nodzon, Edith Pituskin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-01-01
Series:Cardio-Oncology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40959-025-00304-x
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author Anecita Fadol
Geraldine Lee
Valerie Shelton
Kelly C. Schadler
Asma Mohammed Younus
Mary Stuart
Lisa Nodzon
Edith Pituskin
author_facet Anecita Fadol
Geraldine Lee
Valerie Shelton
Kelly C. Schadler
Asma Mohammed Younus
Mary Stuart
Lisa Nodzon
Edith Pituskin
author_sort Anecita Fadol
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background With early detection and improvements in systemic and local therapies, millions of people are surviving cancer, but for some at a high cost. In some cancer types, cardiovascular disease now competes with recurrent cancer as the cause of death. Traditional care models, in which the cardiologist or oncologist assess patients individually, do not address complex cancer and cardiovascular needs. Nursing disciplines should be an integral part of holistic assessment in cardio-oncology care. To learn what educational needs nurses perceive important for provision of competent cardio-oncology nursing care, we undertook an international survey, aiming to understand their learning needs and preferred learning modalities. Methods A cross-sectional survey was developed by members of the International Cardio-Oncology Society (IC-OS) Nursing Research group. The survey was in English and consisted of 23 questions which include demographic information, clinical specialty (oncology, cardiology, or cardio-oncology), multiple-choice questions related to clinical topics that nurses might be interested in learning, and preferred methods of instruction. Results Three hundred and twenty-nine responses were received. The majority expressed interest in learning more about cardio-oncology related topics, primarily via pre-recorded webinars (n = 206, 67%) and live virtual meetings (n = 192, 63%). Formal programs leading to certification were highly endorsed (n = 247, 80%). In relation to specific cardio-oncology topics, there was a strong interest in learning more about specific cardiovascular toxicities, and their monitoring and management (n = 205, 66%). Conclusion Cardio-oncology is a new field of expertise requiring competent nurses with current knowledge incorporating both specialties. The survey we conducted described the sample’s characteristics, identified cardio-oncology learning needs and preferred methods of delivery. A cardio-oncology core curriculum based on the survey responses can offer convenient, accessible and learner-directed education for nurses worldwide. Ultimately, development of cardio-oncology nursing expertise will benefit cancer patients and survivors worldwide.
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spelling doaj-art-909decd3da2d4584b3a854e868121fbb2025-01-19T12:40:33ZengBMCCardio-Oncology2057-38042025-01-011111810.1186/s40959-025-00304-xNursing knowledge in cardio-oncology: results of an international learning needs-assessment surveyAnecita Fadol0Geraldine Lee1Valerie Shelton2Kelly C. Schadler3Asma Mohammed Younus4Mary Stuart5Lisa Nodzon6Edith Pituskin7Departments of Nursing and Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterCatherine McAuley School of Nursing & Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex University College CorkDepartment of Nursing, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterLehigh Valley Health Network, LVPG Cardiology Heart and Vascular InstituteCardio-Oncology, Hamad Medical CorporationAYA Program, IWK Health CentreDepartment of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research InstituteDept of Oncology Tier 2 Canada Research Chair, University of AlbertaAbstract Background With early detection and improvements in systemic and local therapies, millions of people are surviving cancer, but for some at a high cost. In some cancer types, cardiovascular disease now competes with recurrent cancer as the cause of death. Traditional care models, in which the cardiologist or oncologist assess patients individually, do not address complex cancer and cardiovascular needs. Nursing disciplines should be an integral part of holistic assessment in cardio-oncology care. To learn what educational needs nurses perceive important for provision of competent cardio-oncology nursing care, we undertook an international survey, aiming to understand their learning needs and preferred learning modalities. Methods A cross-sectional survey was developed by members of the International Cardio-Oncology Society (IC-OS) Nursing Research group. The survey was in English and consisted of 23 questions which include demographic information, clinical specialty (oncology, cardiology, or cardio-oncology), multiple-choice questions related to clinical topics that nurses might be interested in learning, and preferred methods of instruction. Results Three hundred and twenty-nine responses were received. The majority expressed interest in learning more about cardio-oncology related topics, primarily via pre-recorded webinars (n = 206, 67%) and live virtual meetings (n = 192, 63%). Formal programs leading to certification were highly endorsed (n = 247, 80%). In relation to specific cardio-oncology topics, there was a strong interest in learning more about specific cardiovascular toxicities, and their monitoring and management (n = 205, 66%). Conclusion Cardio-oncology is a new field of expertise requiring competent nurses with current knowledge incorporating both specialties. The survey we conducted described the sample’s characteristics, identified cardio-oncology learning needs and preferred methods of delivery. A cardio-oncology core curriculum based on the survey responses can offer convenient, accessible and learner-directed education for nurses worldwide. Ultimately, development of cardio-oncology nursing expertise will benefit cancer patients and survivors worldwide.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40959-025-00304-xNursingCardio-oncologyMultidisciplinary teamLearning needs assessmentSurveyEducation
spellingShingle Anecita Fadol
Geraldine Lee
Valerie Shelton
Kelly C. Schadler
Asma Mohammed Younus
Mary Stuart
Lisa Nodzon
Edith Pituskin
Nursing knowledge in cardio-oncology: results of an international learning needs-assessment survey
Cardio-Oncology
Nursing
Cardio-oncology
Multidisciplinary team
Learning needs assessment
Survey
Education
title Nursing knowledge in cardio-oncology: results of an international learning needs-assessment survey
title_full Nursing knowledge in cardio-oncology: results of an international learning needs-assessment survey
title_fullStr Nursing knowledge in cardio-oncology: results of an international learning needs-assessment survey
title_full_unstemmed Nursing knowledge in cardio-oncology: results of an international learning needs-assessment survey
title_short Nursing knowledge in cardio-oncology: results of an international learning needs-assessment survey
title_sort nursing knowledge in cardio oncology results of an international learning needs assessment survey
topic Nursing
Cardio-oncology
Multidisciplinary team
Learning needs assessment
Survey
Education
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s40959-025-00304-x
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