Changes in Difficulty with Cancer Care among Nurses at Tohoku University Hospital between 2010 and 2016

ABSTRACT

The purposes of this study were to compare the response distribution of the result of using “nurse’s difficulty scale with cancer care” to nurses engaged in cancer nursing with 2010 survey at Tohoku University Hospital. Self-reported questionnaires were distributed to 512 nurses in 2010 and to 524 nurses in 2016. Responses from 356 (70%) nurses in 2010 and from 332 (63%) nurses in 2016 were analyzed. As a result of comparing the surveys of 2010 and 2016, the rate of correct answer in each items of the knowledge scale rose significantly (all p<0.05). From the items regarding their own knowledge and skills, difficulty in collaboration with the community, and end-of-life care decreased (both p<0.05). Despite the increase in the correct answer rate of the knowledge scale, the difficulty has become high. This may reflect the complexity in cancer care due to development of treatment.