Presentation
Determining Preferences for Symptom Management Assistance while Taking Oral Anti-Cancer Agent Pills
Gerontological Society of America
(2013)
Abstract
Nearly 50 oral anti-cancer agents are on the market, and it’s projected that in 3 years, 25% of chemotherapy will be delivered in pill form. Thus, patients must take responsibility for managing symptoms at home. This was an 8-week exploratory study of cancer patients on oral agents from 3 cancer centers in the Midwest. Baseline interviews collected characteristics, type/stage of cancer, symptoms, and comorbid conditions. Patients were asked preference for information to help manage symptoms. Mean age was 65.2 years, 50% were Female, 87% Caucasian and 13% African American. Preference for obtaining symptom management information included: 37% phone calls, 27% written, 23% email, and 3% Text message. Data collection is underway. Fisher’s exact test results will be reported. Knowing preferences will allow clinicians to tailor delivery of information for symptom management in a way that will be acceptable and usable to patients so they can minimize or eliminate bothersome symptoms.
Disciplines
Publication Date
Fall 2013
Citation Information
Sandra Spoelstra. "Determining Preferences for Symptom Management Assistance while Taking Oral Anti-Cancer Agent Pills" Gerontological Society of America (2013) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/sandra-spoelstra/13/