Abstract
Back ground:- Stem cell transplantation has frequently considered as a curative treatment and also is a lifesaving procedure for children with a number of malignant and non- malignant life threatening diseases. So the aim of this study was to develop clinical protocol for nursing practice for improving care of children with cancer through:1- Assess nurses' knowledge and practices towards implementing stem cell transplantation therapy. 2- Design, implement and evaluate the effect of clinical protocol regarding to care of children with cancer. Setting: This study conducted at the in-patient and outpatient department in Oncology Department affiliated to South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University. The subject of this study included all nurses (50) worked at the previously mentioned settings and given care for children with cancer. Tools: Two tools were used (pre, post and follow up format), 1st tool; an interviewing questionnaire sheet for the nurses who give care for children with cancer. It comprised from two parts; personal characteristics of the studied nurses and nurses’ knowledge towards implementing stem cell transplantation therapy. 2nd tool; observational checklist includes actual practice regarding to care of children with cancer during implementing transplantation . Results: There were statistically significant differences regarding nurses' knowledge and practices about stem cell transplantation before, after and follow up protocol intervention. Conclusion: Nurses' knowledge and practice toward children through implementing stem cell transplantation improved significantly post and at follow up implementation of nursing protocol. The study recommended that: periodically educational training programs for nurses to help them to improve their practice for management of children with cancer in the pediatric oncology units to estrange and reduce the complications of cancer.