Effect of Safety Measure Training Program on Performance of Nurses Dealing with Radioactive Iodine dean faculty of nursing may university

Abstract Background: Radioactive Iodine (RAI / I-131) therapy is a primary and highly effective intervention for managing thyroid disorders, particularly differentiated thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism. Despite its therapeutic benefits, handling unsealed radioactive materials poses significant occupational radiation hazards to nursing staff involved in patient care. The medical use of nuclear medicine and radiation therapy has expanded significantly worldwide over recent decades, escalating the emphasis isolation, management, and waste disposal. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a training program in safety measures applied by nurses dealing with radioactive iodine (RAI) patients on their performance. It hypothesized that the implementation of the training program will lead to a significant improvement in nurses’ knowledge of RAI hazards and prevention, and to a significant improvement in nurses’ safe practices when dealing with RAI patients. The methodology pursued in carrying out the study is presented under − Technical − Operational − Administrative − Statistical designs. Methods Research Design: A one-group quasi-experimental study design featuring pre -test, immediate post-test, and 3-month follow-up assessments (O 1 ​ →O 2 ​ →O 3 ​ )conducted at Setting: El- Salam Oncology Center A total coverage sample of all 60 nurses working at the center who met the inclusion criteria of directly managing RAI patients and having a minimum of one year of clinical experience. Sample size sufficiency was validated using G*Power 3.1.9.4 software. Data Collection Tools: 1- Knowledge Self-Administered Questionnaire: Covered socio-demographic characteristics and contained 140 knowledge items (90 multiple-choice and 50 true/false questions) spanning. 2- Observational Performance Checklist: Comprised 119 items categorizing nursing care before, during, and after patient isolation, PPE donning/doffing procedures, patient discharge education, and waste management. Results: Results revealed a substantial, statistically highly significant improvement (p<0.001) in nurses' overall knowledge and practices following the training program. Satisfactory knowledge levels rose from 38.3% pre-intervention to 100% immediately post-training, remaining high (95.0%) at the follow-up phase. Significant performance improvements were also observed across all practical domains (e.g., room preparation, PPE donning/doffing, discharge instructions, and waste management).