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Radiation oncology outpatient medication management needs and service gaps – A cross-sectional study of patients and clinicians.
- Source :
- Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice; Jun2020, Vol. 26 Issue 4, p846-852, 7p, 2 Charts, 2 Graphs
- Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- Background: Patients receiving radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer can have complex medication requirements related to the management of side-effects and impaired swallowing ability. This study surveyed patients and clinicians to identify service gaps and unmet medication management needs. Methods: Patient and clinician surveys were developed by a multidisciplinary team based on previously validated questionnaires. The patient survey focused on medication use and adherence. The clinician survey was based around a clinical case study and focused on identifying service gaps and practice variations. This survey was disseminated to radiation oncologists, pharmacists and nurses involved with the care of head and neck or lung cancer patients in Victoria. Results: A total of 93 surveys were completed including 53 patient surveys and 40 clinician surveys. Radiotherapy patients reported high medication usage with up to 53% taking five or more medications daily. When asked the same set of questions relating to medication education requirements, patients receiving polypharmacy reported greater needs (72%) than recognised by the surveyed multidisciplinary clinician group (58%). They also reported a non-adherence rate of 46%. In addition, further disparities were identified in clinician practices and their approach to clinical situations which may result in conflicting advice and confusion for patients. Conclusion: While recognising deficiencies relating to the provision of medication information, oncologists, nurses and pharmacists underestimated patient needs for medication information, education and follow-up. Findings support the rationale for integration of pharmacy services within the radiotherapy clinics to support patient care and bridge service gaps relating to medication management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- TREATMENT of lung tumors
ATTITUDE (Psychology)
DRUGS
HEAD tumors
HEALTH care teams
HEALTH services accessibility
HEALTH status indicators
HOSPITAL pharmacies
OUTPATIENT services in hospitals
MEDICAL care
MEDICAL needs assessment
MEDICAL personnel
MEDICAL practice
NECK tumors
NURSES
ONCOLOGISTS
ONCOLOGY
PATIENT compliance
PATIENTS
QUESTIONNAIRES
MEDICAL radiology
RADIOTHERAPY
SURVEYS
CROSS-sectional method
POLYPHARMACY
MEDICATION therapy management
PATIENTS' attitudes
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 10781552
- Volume :
- 26
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 143389540
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1177/1078155219875210