Nurses' training needs for advanced therapy medicinal products EG CAR T: key findings from questionnaire-based survey on behalf of the nurses group of the EBMT
Kenyon, M. Ellard, R. Bakunina, K. Kozijn, A. Hutt, D. Salcedo, I. Chabannon, C. Kisch, A. Liptrott, S Murray, John
Kenyon, M.
Ellard, R.
Bakunina, K.
Kozijn, A.
Hutt, D.
Salcedo, I.
Chabannon, C.
Kisch, A.
Liptrott, S
Murray, John
Citations
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Abstract
Background: Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products
(ATMPs), represent one of the most significant break-throughs in healthcare in recent years. Delivery of ATMPs
involves a complex supply chain and ATMPs including CAR
T cells can trigger serious and potentially life-threatening
complications. Consequently, this breakthrough is accompanied with additional nurse training needs ranging from
basic to advanced depending on centre and country experience. We aimed to determine the ATMP training needs of
nurses working in centres delivering or aiming to deliver
ATMPs and those caring for repatriated ATMP patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey using an online
questionnaire on ATMP training needs was distributed
among all nurse representatives of EBMT transplant member
centres and nurses known to be employed at centres
delivering CAR T therapy. The 25-question survey was
based on a previously developed, tested and implemented
UK-wide survey, with permission. Questions addressed
experience, training level, local procedures, organizational
structure and self-assessed priority ranking for ATMP
education. Participation was voluntary and anonymous.
Survey data were analyzed and presented using descriptive
statistics.
Results: From 145 questionnaires returned, the majority
of respondents were nurses (95.2%) having 15 or more
years of relevant experience (46.2%). Most respondents
work at academic centres (84.1%) and mainly care for adult
patients (64.8%). ATMP delivery is performed or will be
performed in the near future by 64.8% and 13.1% of
centres, respectively. Personal experience levels in delivering licensed ATMPs were equally represented, ranging
from none (21.4%) or some experience (33.1%) to
experienced (34.5%). However, experience in delivering
unlicensed ATMP was significantly lower, with fewer
respondents reporting to be experienced (17.9%) compared to having none (31.0%) or some experience (38.6%).
Experience levels associated with training on ATMP basic
and procedural knowledge. General introductory and patient
management knowledge regarding ATMP was received by
the majority of the respondents (37.9–51.7% and
38.6–43.4%, respectively). These were also ranked as the
knowledge areas having high training priority, together with
visual inspection of products and the management of ATMP
spills. Knowledge areas on cryopreservation and thawing,
chain of identity/custody and local procedures for ordering
or taking receipt of ATMPs were most often ranked as low
priority. Additionally, respondents suggested benefit from
sharing experiences and receiving more nursing-focussed
education, especially with regards to therapy side effects
and patient management (e.g., patient/family education,
expectation management, supportive care).
Conclusions: Our findings reveal a clear need for nursing
focussed ATMP education and training throughout Europe.
Nurses caring for advanced therapy patients should undertake
education and training specific to this field. General information
as well as specific training on patient management, therapy side
effects, visual inspection of the product and management of
spills are core topics emerging from respondents. Further
product specific training needs should be met and opportunities
for nurses to maintain competency levels incorporated.
Importantly, the self-expressed need for sharing nursing
experiences identified via our survey offers future opportunities
for collaborative projects and knowledge sharing.
Description
Date
2021
Publisher
Collections
Keywords
Type
Meetings and Proceedings
Citation
Kenyon M, Ellard R, Bakunina K, Kozijn A, Hutt D, Salcedo I, et al. Nurses' training needs for advanced therapy medicinal products EG CAR T: key findings from questionnaire-based survey on behalf of the nurses group of the EBMT. Bone Marrow Transplantation. 2021;56(SUPPL 1):344-5.