Does the participation of district nurses in trainings courses in oncology influence cancer prevention policies in the primary health care?

Introduction. In order to play an efficient part in the cancer prevention policies of the primary health care, district nurses should upgrade
their qualifications and improve their knowledge, participating in a variety of courses and trainings in oncology.

Aim of the study. The aim of the paper was to estimate whether the participation of district nurses in such trainings has a positive influence
on the level of cancer prevention actions of the health care centers they are employed in.

Material and methods. The diagnostic survey was carried out by means of a survey questionnaire in 70 GP surgeries of Lublin region
selected at random. The survey included 194 district nurses employed in the primary health care.

Results. The participation in trainings in oncology for district nurses was confirmed by 30.4% of the respondents. A statistically
significant dependence was found between the participation in trainings and district nurses’ workplace as well as speciality. It has
been observed that the district nurses who have completed trainings in oncology are more involved in primary and secondary
prevention policies, as compared to the ones who have not taken part in such trainings, i.e. they are more active in health education
programmes as well as show more commitment to the organization and implementation of screening examinations in their own
surgeries.

Conclusions. Due to the fact that district nurses who have completed such trainings are more involved in undertaking preventive actions, it
would be beneficial for the effective cancer prevention in the primary health care to introduce regular compulsory trainings in oncology for
district nurses.

Nursing Topics 2011; 19 (3): 365–371