Abstract CN61
Background
The continuing revolution in cancer care is paralleled by a growth in the range and complexity of treatment-related adverse events (TRAE). Nurses are increasingly at the centre of TRAE management, yet there is little research on the subject from their perspective. In order to address this, we are conducting an international online survey.
Methods
The survey will be run online using bespoke software (4C-Research) and will be provided in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. The survey with target cancer nurses with a particular focus on gastrointestinal (GI)-cancer specialists. Six broad categories of questions will be covered: respondent professional demographics; assessment of persons responsible for TRAE management; assessment of guidelines used in TRAE management; assessment of training and confidence in TRAE management; resources used to implement/improve TRAE management; and suggestions to improve future TRAE. The survey will be disseminated using existing social media platforms, the educational group GI Nurses CONNECT, database provided by the medical education company COR2ED, and through professional nursing bodies. The survey went live in June and is scheduled to remain active for 6 to 8 weeks. Here we present the results of responses between the 7th and 26th of July.
Results
Most respondents (N=86) were from the United states (51%), followed by Spain (20%), other European countries (16%), Latin America (6%) and Africa (2%). Most respondents worked with outpatients (67%), had ≥ 5 years’ experience (78%), and saw > 20 patients/week. Outpatient clinics (24%) and oncology hospitals (23%) were the most common settings; 31% were medical oncology nurses and 13% specialist cancer nurses. Oncology nurses were typically the first point of contact for patients with an AE (63%), management was by a multi-disciplinary care team (38%), oncology nurse (26%), or oncologist (21%). Patient (49%) and nurse (62%) education were seen as the most important factors for improving TRAE management.
Conclusions
Improved understanding of the nurse’s perspective on TRAE management is likely to improve outcomes and patient care as well as identify opportunities for improved medical education. Complete analysis will be presented at EONS 2021.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Editorial and writing support was provided by Ewen Legg, PhD, of COR2ED, Switzerland. Funded by an independent educational grant from Bayer.
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors and COR2ED Switzerland.
Funding
Funded by an independent educational grant from Bayer.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.