The Contribution of Oncology Nurses in Addressing Cancer Treatment Side Effects

Abstract

Background: Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally, making the effective management of treatment side effects, especially chemotherapy extravasation, crucial. Extravasation can cause severe complications, highlighting the pivotal role of oncology nurses in patient care.
Methods: This systematic review examined literature from 2004 to 2023, using databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. The focus was on oncology nurses' knowledge and practices regarding the management of chemotherapy extravasation. Key search terms were based on MeSH descriptors, with Boolean operators used to refine the search results.
Results: The review identified significant barriers in nursing practice, including inadequate knowledge of the signs, risk factors, and management protocols related to extravasation. It emphasized the need for specialized training programs, which have been shown to improve nurses' competency and reduce patient complaints about extravasation. Evidence also indicated that well-structured educational initiatives enhanced nurses' ability to recognize early signs of vascular damage and implement the necessary interventions.
Conclusion: Effective management of chemotherapy extravasation is critical for improving patient outcomes and quality of life. This review emphasizes the need for continuous education and training for oncology nurses to equip them with the skills necessary to address and reduce complications associated with chemotherapy. Future research should focus on developing targeted training programs and evaluating their impact on nursing practice and patient safety.