Iranian Study Reveals Rising Maternal Confidence in Pediatric Cancer Nursing Safety
TABRIZ, Iran – A new longitudinal study conducted at hospitals affiliated with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences demonstrates a notable increase in Iranian mothers’ perceptions of nursing safety practices while their children undergo initial leukemia chemotherapy. Published findings reveal a rise in confidence levels regarding crucial elements of care, including patient identification adn hand hygiene, over a four-week period.
The research, completed recently, addresses a critical need for enhanced patient and family involvement in healthcare, particularly within the sensitive context of pediatric oncology. Leukemia is a devastating diagnosis for children and their families, and ensuring a safe and supportive hospital habitat is paramount. This study highlights the positive impact of actively engaging mothers in the care process, offering valuable insights for improving the quality of nursing care and potentially reducing anxiety for both patients and their caregivers. the findings underscore the importance of targeted educational interventions to further bolster safety perceptions.
Researchers followed mothers of children newly diagnosed with leukemia as they navigated their child’s first chemotherapy course. Initial assessments showed an average perception score of 2.75 (on a scale of 4).By week four, this score had risen to 2.99, a statistically significant improvement (p<0.001). The most notable gains were observed in mothers' confidence in patient identification procedures - increasing by an average of 0.41 points - and hand hygiene practices, which saw a 0.38-point increase.
The study also identified several factors correlating with maternal perceptions of safety. Mothers with higher levels of education, more stable economic circumstances, and children diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, as opposed to acute myeloid leukemia, reported greater confidence.Family size and the child’s age also demonstrated a significant association with perception scores.
Researchers concluded that actively involving mothers in their child’s care enhances their sense of safety and quality of care during hospitalization. The study advocates for the implementation of supportive and educational programs designed to further improve nursing safety protocols and empower families facing the challenges of childhood cancer.
Keywords: Chemotherapy, Nursing Care, Pediatric Oncology.