"Take the tablet or don't take the tablet?"-A qualitative study of patients' experiences of self-administering anti-cancer medications related to adherence and managing side effects
- Author(s)
- Dang, TH; O'Callaghan, C; Alexander, M; Burbury, K; Jayaraman, PP; Wickramasinghe, N; Schofield, P;
- Journal Title
- Supportive Care in Cancer
- Publication Type
- Research article
- Abstract
- PURPOSE: Medication non-adherence is a well-recognised problem in cancer care, negatively impacting health outcomes and healthcare resources. Patient-related factors influencing medication adherence (MA) are complicated and interrelated. There is a need for qualitative research to better understand their underlying interaction processes and patients' needs to facilitate the development of effective patient-tailored complex interventions. This study aimed to explore experiences, perceptions, and needs relating to MA and side effect management of patients who are self-administering anti-cancer treatment. METHODS: Semi-structured audio-recorded interviews with patients who have haematological cancer were conducted. A comparative, iterative, and predominantly inductive thematic analysis approach was employed. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients from a specialist cancer hospital were interviewed. While self-administering cancer medications at home, patients' motivation to adhere was affected by cancer-related physical reactions, fears, cancer literacy and beliefs, and healthcare professional (HCP) and informal support. Patients desired need for regular follow-ups from respectful, encouraging, informative, responsive, and consistent HCPs as part of routine care. Motivated patients can develop high adherence and side effect self-management over time, especially when being supported by HCPs and informal networks. CONCLUSION: Patients with cancer need varied support to medically adhere to and manage side effects at home. HCPs should adapt their practices to meet the patients' expectations to further support them during treatment. We propose a multi-dimensional and technology- and theory-based intervention, which incorporates regular HCP consultations providing tailored education and support to facilitate and maintain patient MA and side effect self-management.
- Keywords
- Humans; *Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; *Neoplasms; Tablets; Medication Adherence; Qualitative Research
- Department(s)
- Health Services Research; Pharmacy; Digital and Healthcare Innovation
- PubMed ID
- 37934298
- Publisher's Version
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-023-08122-6
- Open Access at Publisher's Site
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-023-08122-6- Terms of Use/Rights Notice
- Refer to copyright notice on published article.
Creation Date: 2023-12-15 05:57:20
Last Modified: 2023-12-15 06:07:00