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Our institution performs chemotherapy/immunotherapy competency verification on an annual basis for nursing via in person simulation of chemotherapy specific skills. In previous years, live simulation was done with our team of nursing professional development specialists (NPDS). During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, we adjusted the competency to a paper format for social distancing compliance. Feedback around the paper format was mixed, yielding a change for 2021. Utilizing technology to its fullest, we opted to transition the activity to a digital Learning Management System (LMS) platform. The purpose of this project was to implement an electronic process for validating competency of nurses who handle chemotherapy/immunotherapy. The goal is to provide easy accessibility to ensure that nurses have completed the competency requirements within the deadline and provide instant continuing education (CE) credits. The NPDS team met and reviewed feedback from the 2020 competency program to determine the best way to proceed in 2021, providing a high quality experience while maintaining social distancing protocols. Consensus was obtained to proceed with an on demand LMS module. After a careful review of safety events reported along with trends identified by NPDS as a knowledge gap, topics were selected to be the focus of 2021's chemo/immunotherapy competency. Independent verification at the bed/chairside, hazardous drug spills, sexual and reproductive health during treatment, and order set verification were identified as priority topics. Each participant will receive a link to a survey upon completion of the LMS module. Results will be tabulated and reviewed by the NPDS team to compare to previous models of competency assessment. This project was designed using the data collected in during the 2020 assessment to meet the needs created by the changing landscape of the Covid 19 pandemic. The aim is to continue to share and evaluate how we have evolved the delivery of high quality content on an annual basis. The collation of data from this year's competency will be compared with previous years and used to help us grow and develop our annual competency verification program. Using technology to assess annual chemotherapy/immunotherapy competency by building a module within our existing LMS platform. This innovation will allow for easier use for nurses and easier compliance tracking / CE dissemination for NPDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2008, the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) held a workshop that put forth the ASCO/ONS Chemotherapy Administration Safety Standards. Within these standards were recommendations to have both documented informed consent and written information available to the patient on their diagnosis, goals of therapy, planned duration and schedule, information on possible side effects, regimen risks or symptoms that require notification and emergency contact information, and a plan for monitoring and follow-up. In 2016, these standards were updated with adjustments in the language that stated that health care settings must have a policy in place that documents a standardized process for obtaining and documenting chemotherapy consent or assent and that informed consent (with assent optional) for chemotherapy treatment is documented before initiation of a chemotherapy regimen. In 2010, Dr. Hope Uronis began leading a team to bring chemotherapy consent to Duke University Health System. Through her work with multiple departments and disciplines throughout the system, an approved document was crafted for use. In 2020, Dr. Uronis formed an implementation team consisting of two oncology certified nurses and a Duke Health Technology Solutions analyst. This team was able to transition the chemotherapy consent from a paper-only option to an electronic format available within the electronic health record (EHR) and implement the new process into workflows across all three Duke Health hospitals. In addition, the team was able to coordinate use of the eConsent on iPads which were purchased for use in all oncology areas. Having an iPad available helps with accessibility of patients that are at high-falls risk, that need larger font, and have issues using a computer mouse for signing documents. Since implementation of this process, patient feedback has been positive. Patients are able to view the eConsent in their patient accessed EHR both prior to and after signing. This allows for patients to be able to properly review the eConsent language so that they are able to advocate for themselves or their family members appropriately. Implementing change happens in phases, with a period of opposition to be expected. However, because of the efforts of this implementation team, the new eConsent process was widely successful and met with little resistance from stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]