Structured implantable port catheter care training program for nurses
Abstract:
Background: Port catheters are widely used in oncology care to provide safe long-term venous access; however, improper management may lead to complications such as infection, thrombosis, and extravasation. Nurses play a key role in preventing these complications through evidence-based care. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a structured training program on port catheter care on nurses’ knowledge and knowledge retention.
Method: This quasi-experimental study used a single-group pre-test-posttest follow-up design. The study included 60 nurses working in internal medicine and oncology units at a training and research hospital. Data were collected with a Descriptive Characteristics Form and a Port Catheter Care Knowledge Questionnaire.
Results: Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that knowledge scores increased significantly after training and remained high at 1-month follow-up (p < .001).
Conclusion: The training program improved knowledge and supported retention. Further research is needed to assess its effect on clinical practice and patient outcomes.
Reference:
Temel L, Güçlüel YÖ. Evaluation of a Structured Port Catheter Care Training Program for Nurses in Turkey: A Quasi-Experimental Study. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2026 Oct 15:1-6. doi: 10.3928/00220124-20260721-01. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42878449.