Chemotherapy in the community: the importance of patient assessment

The use of chemotherapy has expanded considerably in the UK in recent years, with an increase of around 60% in the amount of chemotherapy delivered over a four-year period (National Chemotherapy Advisory Group (NCAG), 2009). This has led to an increased demand for the delivery of chemotherapy, putting pressure on existing cancer services. Combined with the current political agenda which aims to improve the convenience and experience of health for patients' this has prompted the reorganisation of chemotherapy services, with a movement away from the delivery of chemotherapy in dedicated cancer centres to community-based models of care. This article discusses the implications of these changes for community nurses with regard to their role in the assessment of patients receiving chemotherapy.