Improving Nursing Students' Knowledge and Assessment Skills Regarding Skin Cancer Using Online Teaching Resources

Abstract

Nurses are in an excellent position to teach the public about skin cancer prevention and perform cancer screenings. This study was designed to test an educational intervention intended to teach nursing students about skin cancer so they can reach competence and be certified by faculty to educate their patients. Similarly, students are educated and certified in other areas, namely, asthma and naloxone administration. By conducting this quasi-experimental study, the researchers sought to evaluate the effectiveness of adding online skin cancer education to traditional educational methods. Using a quasi-experimental design, we assigned nursing students (n = 146) to either an intervention group, which received an online educational treatment, or a control group, which did not receive any such treatment. Both groups then completed a posttest measure assessing their knowledge about skin cancer (“knowledge”), sun protective behaviors (“behavior”), and perceptions about the role of the nurse in skin cancer prevention (“role”). Participants in the intervention group had significantly higher scores on the “behavior” and “role” measures, suggesting that the intervention had successfully impacted these dimensions.

Primary care nurse's role and educational preparedness in skin cancer screening and early detection: A scoping review

“…Fifteen studies utilized a pre‐test and post‐test measure to determine how the education or training influenced the participant's knowledge of skin cancer (Bradley, 2010; Boozer & Rossler, 2022; Diesner et al., 2021; Goodman et al., 2018; Hartnett & O'Keefe, 2016; Heathcotte et al., 2023; Hencley, 2017; Lehn, 2022; Lubitz, 2020; McCormick et al., 1999; Peters, 2020; Siegel et al., 2021; Seiverling, Ahrns, et al., 2021; Shue‐McGuffin & Powers, 2021 & Wolden, 2023). Nine studies (Bradley, 2010; Boozer & Rossler, 2022; Diesner et al., 2021; Goodman et al., 2018; Hartnett & O'Keefe, 2016; Heathcotte et al., 2023; McCormick et al., 1999; Siegel et al., 2021; Shue‐McGuffin & Powers, 2021) tested participant knowledge before and after the education or training, and the remaining four studies provided participants the opportunity to self‐report their level of knowledge (Becevic et al., 2021; Hencley, 2017; Lehn, 2023; Lubitz, 2020; Peters, 2020 & Wolden, 2023).…”

“…Nine intervention studies that focused on improving skin cancer detection knowledge and skills found that their trainings enhanced participant confidence, comfort, or perceived ability regarding their performance of skin cancer duties (Bayers et al., 2021; Boozer & Rossler, 2022; Burr et al., 2018; Hencley, 2017; Lehn, 2022; Lubitz, 2020; McCormick et al., 1999; Orfaly et al., 2021; Peters, 2020; Shue‐McGuffin & Powers, 2021; Siegel et al., 2021 & Wolden, 2023). Four studies directly measured self‐confidence pre‐and post‐intervention, in which they all reported an overall increase in participant confidence levels to perform skin cancer screening (Bayers et al., 2021; Boozer & Rossler, 2022; Orfaly et al., 2021; Shue‐McGuffin & Powers, 2021).…”

“…(1999) reported significantly greater perceived ability to conduct and document a risk assessment and physical examination among nurses, and Siegel et al. (2021) found that post‐graduate nursing students who completed the additional education were more confident in educating the public about skin cancer. Hencley (2017), Lehn (2022), Lubitz (2020), Peters et al.…”

“…Measures of behaviour change indicate that participants were significantly more likely to increase their patient skin examinations post-(cf. prior) education (Diesner et al, 2021; Hartnett & O'Keefe, 2016).5.4.5 | Enhanced skin cancer knowledgeFifteen studies utilized a pre-test and post-test measure to determine how the education or training influenced the participant's knowledge of skin cancer(Bradley, 2010;Boozer & Rossler, 2022;Diesner et al, 2021;Goodman et al, 2018;Hartnett & O'Keefe, 2016;Heathcotte et al, 2023;Hencley, 2017;Lehn, 2022;Lubitz, 2020;McCormick et al, 1999;Peters, 2020;Siegel et al, 2021;Shue-McGuffin & Powers, 2021& Wolden, 2023.Nine studies(Bradley, 2010;Boozer & Rossler, 2022;Diesner et al, 2021;Goodman et al, 2018;Hartnett & O'Keefe, 2016;Heathcotte et al, 2023;McCormick et al, 1999;Siegel et al, 2021;Shue-McGuffin & Powers, 2021) tested participant knowledge before and after the education or training, and the remaining four studies provided participants the opportunity to self-report their level of knowledgeHencley, 2017; Lehn, 2023;Lubitz, 2020;Peters, 2020& Wolden, 2023. Knowledge measures varied across studies depending on the goal of their programme.…”

“…McCormick et al (1999) reported significantly greater perceived ability to conduct and document a risk assessment and physical examination among nurses, andSiegel et al (2021) found that post-graduate nursing students who completed the additional education were more confident in educating the public about skin cancer Hencley (2017),Lehn (2022),Lubitz (2020),Peters et al (2020). andWolden (2023) utilized the same Likert-type scale survey questions, which indicated an overall increase in comfortability with dermoscopic imaging and naked eye examinations.6 | DISCUSS IONThis scoping review identified 54 studies which were mapped for the role and scope of nurses in skin cancer screening and early detection and the reported training and education programmes to do so.…”