Nurses’ knowledge regarding the implantable subcutaneous port system

Introduction
The subcutaneous implantable port is a system that provides constant access to the venous vessels for long-term oncological patients and patients with chronic diseases. The use of implanted systems such as the intravenous port is systematically increasing, this allows the implementation of modern therapy methods as well as improving the quality of life of patients who belong to the group of chronically treated patients. The study aimed to analyse the level of knowledge among nursing personnel in the field of the subcutaneous port system.

Material and methods
Respondents were guaranteed full anonymity. The research was dedicated to the nursing personnel. The questionnaire was distributed via the Internet. The project was performed between 2018 and March 2019. The research method was a diagnostic survey. A questionnaire technique was used, prepared based on the Instructions and Recommendation of the Polish Society of Oncological Nurses in the field of the subcutaneous ports. The participants were informed about the aim and the assumptions of the study.

Results
Statistical analysis showed the relationship between the age of the respondents (H (3) = 8.23; p < 0.05), their education (H (2) = 4.83; p = 0.056) and seniority (H (3) = 9, 79; p < 0.05), and the nurses’ knowledge of vascular access of the intravenous port type.

Conclusions
The research showed that nurses’ educational level, postgraduate courses, and professional work experience had an impact on the level of knowledge about the subcutaneous port system. Nurses aged 26–30 years had the highest level of knowledge compared to the other age groups. Key words: the implantable subcutaneous, knowledge, nurses.