Abstract 1859P
Background
To improve the management of chemotherapy side effects in cancer patients, we have developed a web based side effects management program using patient-reported outcomes management (PROM). To select clinically significant side effects, we survey the preference of side effect assessment and competency of managements by clinical physicians and nurses. Also, Survey respondents were compared to see if there were differences from other countries in managing serious side effects.
Methods
In August 2019, a survey for the use of PROM, expertise in managing chemotherapy side effects, and clinically important symptoms from 124 symptoms of PRO-CTCAE was conducted on 776 physicians and nurses who treat cancer patients. 246 of 776 (31.7%) responded, 86 were physicians and 160 were nurses.
Results
The average clinical work experience of the survey respondents was 14.4 ± 7.85 years for physicians and 10.6 ± 6.6 years for nurses. Among the physicians, there were 64 medical oncologist (75.3%) and among nurses, 31 clinical nurse specialist (20.3%). Fifty physicians (58.2%) and 42 nurses (26.6%) thought they were experts in managing chemotherapy side effects. Who used PROM for side effects management were 25 physicians (29.8%), 71 nurses (48.0%). The higher competency in the management of chemotherapy side effects could be found to be more tertiary hospital workers, or medical oncologists or clinical nurse specialists. Severe symptoms requiring immediate care, such as bleeding (97% agreement of respondents), infection (93%), and chest pain (91%), were agreed to visit the emergency room and some symptoms such as fatigue (53%), anorexia (55%) were agreed to visit outpatient clinics.
Conclusions
Physicians and nurses who treat cancer patients have limited use of PRO and have low expertise in managing side effects. Compared with the UK's medical guidelines, there was a difference in the management of severe side effects, but there was a consensus on important items that needed immediate interventions. As a results, prior to web development using PROM, there is a need to educate the physicians and nurses more actively on the management of chemotherapy related side effects using PROM.
Clinical trial identification
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.