Clinical Trials Informed Consent: An Educational Intervention to Improve Nurses' Knowledge and Communications Skills

Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2018 Dec 1;22(6):E152-E158. doi: 10.1188/18.CJON.E152-E158.

Abstract

Background: Teach-back is an evidence-based tool recommended for use during informed consent (IC) discussions. The nurses' role in the IC process is important, particularly for patient education and advocacy.

Objectives: The aim was to initiate and evaluate an educational program for nurses to improve knowledge and communication skills used in IC for cancer clinical trials.

Methods: An educational program was presented to nurses. Anonymous pre-, post-, and one-month postprogram surveys measured nurses' knowledge of research and the importance of and confidence using teach-back during IC discussions.

Findings: Nurses had high research knowledge scores and statistically significant improvement in pre- and post-test scores of conviction and confidence using teach-back. Nurses employed essential elements of teach-back before the program but had greater recognition of elements after the program.

Keywords: cancer; informed consent; nursing; patient understanding; teach-back.

MeSH terms

  • Academic Medical Centers
  • Adult
  • Clinical Competence*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic*
  • Communication
  • Education, Nursing, Continuing / organization & administration
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Informed Consent*
  • Knowledge
  • Male
  • Nurse's Role
  • Nurse-Patient Relations
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / education
  • Oncology Nursing / education*
  • Patient Education as Topic / organization & administration
  • Program Evaluation
  • Quality Improvement*