CN59 - The comparison between two types of educational information in reducing nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy: Randomized controlled trial

Background

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are common problems in patients undergoing chemotherapy, occurring in up to 70%-80% of patients. Antiemetic drugs are largely used to treat CINV; however, some studies reported that the CINV can be significantly reduced with patient empowerment, and nurses can play a crucial role in the management of this intervention.

Methods

A phase III randomized trial was conducted at the Multidisciplinary Day Hospital at CRO Aviano between December 2018 and November 2022, enrolling 384 consecutive patients undergoing first-line chemotherapy. Inclusion criteria: age 18-80 years; signed informed consent. Exclusion criteria: life expectation <6 months; previous psychiatric or neurologic disease; visual impairment. Prior to first-line chemotherapy, patients were randomized 1:1 to receive written and verbal information on CINV prevention (arm A) or standard verbal information alone (arm B). A brochure describing drugs for CINV prevention and nutritional advice was provided to arm A patients. Antiemetic drugs were allowed as per standard care. The impact of CINV on daily activities was evaluated after one chemotherapy administration through the Functional Leaving Index – Emesis (FLIE) questionnaire.

Results

Fifty-eight patients were excluded after randomization for incomplete data. Arms were balanced with respect to gender, age, cancer type, chemotherapy, and antiemetic drugs use. Nauseas was reported by 30.1% and 39.9% of patients in arm A and B, respectively. Patients in arm A reported a reduction of 5.9% (95% confidence interval: 0.3%-11.5%) of moderate/high impact of nausea on daily activities compared to those in arm B (4.2% and 10.1%, respectively; p=0.038). This effect was consistent across strata by gender, age, and antiemetic drug use. No effect was found on vomiting.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that nursing education intervention provided through a booklet reduced the occurrence of severe nausea in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Nurses play an important role in patient empowerment, with beneficial effects in patients’ quality of life.

Clinical trial identification

CRO2018-012.

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.