Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge and Clinical Practice Regarding the Care of Patients with Brain Tumors

Abstract

Background: Brain tumors require complex nursing care because patients may develop neurological deterioration, seizures, raised intracranial pressure, cognitive changes, and treatment-related complications. Nurses play an essential role in early recognition, monitoring, supportive care, and timely intervention. Adequate knowledge and clinical practice are necessary to ensure safe and effective care.

Objective: To assess nurses’ knowledge and clinical practice regarding the care of patients with brain tumors at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 218 registered nurses at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, knowledge, and clinical practice regarding brain-tumor care. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were calculated. Chi-square tests and Pearson correlation were applied, with significance set at p<0.05.

Results: Of 218 nurses, 51.8% demonstrated moderate knowledge, 30.3% good knowledge, and 17.9% poor knowledge. Clinical practice was moderate among 49.5%, good among 29.4%, and poor among 21.1%. Knowledge was positively correlated with clinical practice (r=0.62, p<0.001). Previous brain-tumor experience and neuro/neurosurgical training were significantly associated with better knowledge and practice.

Conclusion: Nurses demonstrated predominantly moderate knowledge and clinical practice. Regular specialized training and competency-based continuing education are recommended.