Evaluation of an Education Program to Facilitate Patient Adherence, Toxicity Monitoring and Promote Safety and Wellbeing in the Self Administration of Oral Chemotherapy in the Home Setting — ASN Events
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Evaluation of an Education Program to Facilitate Patient Adherence, Toxicity Monitoring and Promote Safety and Wellbeing in the Self Administration of Oral Chemotherapy in the Home Setting (#172)

Tina Griffiths 1 , Liz Pascoe 2
  1. Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Vic, Australia
  2. Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University , Melbourne , Victoria , Australia

Introduction: The use of oral chemotherapy as a cancer treatment is increasing (Hede 2009), with patients expected to self-administer them (Goodin et al. 2007). While self-administration is the home setting offers advantages to patients (Simchowitch et al. 2010), it poses significant challenges for health care professionals, many of which revolve around adherence, toxicity monitoring and safety issues (Halfdanarson & Jotoi 2010). In this study, patients prescribed oral chemotherapy, received education and follow-up support from the Chemotherapy Nurse Coordinator (CNC) at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre, Melbourne Victoria.

Aim: Evaluate an education program to facilitate patient adherence, toxicity monitoring and promote safety and wellbeing in the self administration of oral chemotherapy in the home setting.

Methodology: Cancer patients (N=15) prescribed oral chemotherapy received education about their treatment using a teaching tool developed by The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC). The patient's supportive care needs were assessed using the Distress Thermometer (DT).

A modified version of the MASCC questionnaire was administered pre and post education to assess the patient's knowledge about oral chemotherapy, safe handling, and associated toxicity issues. A follow up phone call to the patient one week later addressed issues relating to the education program. The patient also completed the DT.

Results: Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Education program highlighted the importance in patients' knowledge and understanding around key issues pertaining to oral chemotherapy. In addition, levels of emotional distress decreased enhancing well being, albeit over a short time frame. Limitations are small sample size.

Conclusion: Tailored education programs may facilitate medication adherence, toxicity management and enhance patient's wellbeing.

  1. Goodin, S., Aisner, J., Bartel, S.B., & Viele, C.S. (2007). Current issues associated with oral chemotherapy: a roundtable discussion. (Research Support, Non-U.S.Gov't). American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 64(9 Suppl 5), S33-35.
  2. Hede, K. (2009). Increase in oral cancer drugs raises thorny issues for oncology practices. (News). Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 101(22), 1534-1536.
  3. Simchowitz, B., Shiman, L., Spencer, J., Brouillard, D., Gross, A., Connor, M., & Weingart, S.N. (2010). Perceptions and experiences of patients receiving oral chemotherapy. (Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.). Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 14(4), 447-453.
  4. Halfdanarson, T.R., & Jatoi, A. (2010). Oral cancer chemotherapy: the critical interplay between patient education and patient safety. (Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Review). Current Oncology Reports, 12(4), 247-252.