Abstract CN17
Background
Oral anticancer agents (OAAs) provide effective tumour control and improve patient survival. However, adherence to OAA regimens is reportedly lower when compared with other drugs. Improving patient self-care can result in better treatment adherence and quality of life, lower morbidity, fewer re-hospitalisations and reduced healthcare costs. We performed a systematic literature review to enhance our understanding of self-care behaviours in patients treated with OAAs.
Methods
A systematic review was conducted with a convergent synthesis design for mixed studies. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL for articles reporting primary qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method studies. Inclusion criteria were cancer patients treated with any kind of OAAs; reporting behaviours related to self-care maintenance (i.e. to maintain the stability of health conditions); self-care monitoring (i.e. to monitor OAA side effects); or self-care management (i.e. responses to any OAA side effect). Quality appraisal was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.
Results
From a total of 3,419 records, 20 studies were retained for qualitative synthesis. The identified self-care maintenance behaviours were: establishing a routine, adherence strategy, support from a caregiver, medication management, following medical advice, adapting medication intake to everyday life, physical activity, looking for information and avoiding specific meals. Self-care monitoring behaviours were monitoring vital signs and side effects and taking notes of symptoms in a diary. Self-care management behaviours consisted of actions in case of drug side effects, such as calling the physician; suspending OAAs; and taking drugs for symptom control.
Conclusions
Adherence is crucial in patients taking OAAs to obtain maximum tumour control. However, some factors may affect adherence levels, including behaviours aimed at improving well-being, monitoring health changes and managing side effects. Nurses and health professionals can play a crucial role in providing patients who take OAAs with specific self-care support aimed at improving patient quality of life and at reducing toxicity and hospitalisation rates.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
F. Sollazzo.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.