Abstract
e16506 Background: Oral anti-cancer therapy (OAT) prescribing is increasing. Safety and adherence issues surrounding OAT are causing a shift in the traditional roles and responsibilities of oncologists, nurses and pharmacists. This study aims to investigate patients’ perception of education and safety surrounding OAT use. Methods: Over a 6-month period an anonymous cross-sectional survey was offered to all patients (pts) attending for cancer treatment with OAT at Irish hospitals with cancer services in the South-West region. Data was prospectively analyzed using standard statistical tools for non-parametric data. Results: A total of 172 surveys were distributed and 101 pts responded (59%). Of these, 53 (54%) were female. Median age was 62 (range 29-80 yrs). Diagnosis was colorectal cancer in 49 pts (48%), breast cancer in 13 (13%) and glioma in 12 (12%). Of treatments used, 85% were oral chemotherapy and 15% oral biological therapy. The most commonly used agent was capecitabine (61%). When commencing OAT, 17 (17%) of respondents felt they did not understand it. Understanding was improved by pt education by a doctor (p=0.03) or hospital-based nurse (p=0.04) and provision of information booklets (p=0.04). Pts were unaware of interactions in 30% of cases and 20% were not aware of any safety issues. Pts who had been given information leaflets were significantly more aware of safety including careful handling (p<0.001), storage conditions (p=0.02) and safe disposal (p<0.001). Pts attending nurse-led oral chemotherapy clinics (NOCC) were significantly more aware of safety issues (p=0.04). Of respondents, 1% reported taking too many tablets and 15% had forgotten to take OAT on ≥1 occasion. NOCC improved adherence (p=0.03). Conclusions: OAT, when indicated, is an option for selected pts who are compliant and educated about complications. This study highlights issues with pt education and safety awareness. To our knowledge the factors influencing this have not been previously explored. A significant proportion of our pts were sub-optimally educated regarding medication interactions, storage needs, handling and disposal precautions. Educational tools to aid healthcare professionals in pt instruction and NOCC significantly improve patient understanding.
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