Resource utilisation and time commitment associated with correction of anaemia in cancer patients using epoetin alfa

This study set out to identify the resource use and time commitment associated with treatment of anaemia with erythropoietic therapy, for both haematology/oncology clinics and patients.

The study was carried out at three haematology/oncology clinics in the US, and included 124 cancer patients with anaemia. Stages in the administration of epoetin alfa were identified (preparation, injection and documentation). At each site a trained researcher observed medical staff and recorded the time taken for each stage, in minutes, using a stopwatch. The supplies used for each stage were also recorded. Travel times, waiting times and demographics for patients and caregivers attending the clinic were obtained from self-report questionnaires during the clinic visit. In total, 177 injections of epoetin alfa were administered.

Total mean time clinic staff and patients spent on treatment visits.

The total mean time expended by clinic staff for each injection, including preparation, administration, documentation and phlebotomy, was 25.5 minutes (range 18.6-31.2 at individual centres). The total mean time requirement for patients (time spent travelling to and from the clinic, time spent waiting for the epoetin alfa injection) was 83 minutes.

Treatments that may reduce the time burden of anaemia management should be considered.