Nurses' Performance Regarding Care of Hepatocellular Carcinoma patients Undergoing Thermal Ablation

Abstract
Background: Thermal ablation is one of the radical treatment methods listed in the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. TA is a widely employed procedure to treat both primary and metastatic hepatic tumors. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess nurses' performance regarding care of hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing thermal ablation. Research design: A descriptive exploratory design was used. Setting: The study was conducted at Interventional Radiology unit in National Research Institute of Endemic and Liver Diseases. Methods: A convenient sample of 60 nurses which represents all available nurses caring of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Tools: Three tools were used to conduct this study; Tool (I) Self-administered structure questionnaire. Tool (II): Nurses' knowledge assessment questionnaire. Tool (III): Nurses' practice observational checklist. Results: The study demonstrated that (86.7%) of the studied nurses had unsatisfactory level of knowledge, three quarter (75.0%) of the studied nurses had incompetent level of practice. Conclusion: There was a highly statistically significant relation between total level of knowledge and total level of practice regarding care of HCC patients undergoing thermal ablation procedure. Recommendations: Continues in-service training programs should be designed and carried out to oncology nurses to promote the knowledge, , and practice about care for HCC patients and thermal ablation based on nurse's needs.