Antiemetic prescriptions and understanding in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy

Abstract

20692 Background: Poor control of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) may lead to decreased compliance with treatment and impaired quality of life for cancer patients (pts). Education regarding anti-emetic regimens may decrease this occurrence. This study aims to assess levels of patients’ anti-emetic awareness and impact on levels of CINV in that population. Methods: Pts attending an Irish tertiary referral centre for chemotherapy (chemo) from Feb-Mar 2007 participated, answering a short anonymous questionnaire. Factors assessed included age, primary diagnosis, duration of chemo, knowledge of anti-emetic medications (AEM), sources of education on AEM utilised, and frequency of CINV. Results: Fifty-five pts participated. The mean age was 62.4 years (y) (range 28- 88y). Numbers for both sexes were equivalent. The most common cancers treated were colorectal (25%), breast (16%), lymphoma (12%) and lung (9%). Mean duration of attendance was 9.5 months (mo). 62% were educated by physicians on medication, half of whom received information from physicians only. 64% were educated by nursing staff, 33% received information from nurses only. 28% received education from both. 53% received written information. Nurses were twice as likely to give written information (78% vs. 35% RR 2.2 p=0.02). Pts educated by both were more likely to know their AEM than those educated by nurses alone (RR 4.3 p=0.04). 91% self administered their medication. 78% were aware of the purpose of these drugs. 71% could name their tablets. 47% named an AEM as part of their prescription. 22% did not recognise the name of any routinely prescribed AEM. 85% of those <70y could name their AEM vs. 52% of those >70y (p=0.029). 57% treated for <3mo could name their AEM, increasing to 88% for those attending up to 6mo and 100% at >1y (RR 1.8 p=0.005). There was no significant difference in CINV between patients who knew their AEM and those who did not. Conclusions: Pts knowledge regarding AEM varies and is derived from many sources. Older patients exhibited less knowledge regarding their medication intake. Knowledge of AEM increased with duration of treatment. None of these factors appeared to significantly affect CINV in this population. Additional research is needed to evaluate optimal methods of pt education and its impact on CINV. No significant financial relationships to disclose.