Do patients on oral chemotherapy have sufficient knowledge for optimal adherence? A mixed methods study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Patient Self-Management
• Health Education

Background:

• Oral chemotherapy (OC) is increasingly used as a first-line cancer treatment.
• OC offers patient autonomy and reduced hospital costs but increases self-management responsibilities.
• Limited understanding exists regarding patient knowledge and its impact on OC adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient knowledge following education for oral chemotherapy (OC).
• To identify factors influencing adherence to OC in multiple myeloma (MM) patients.
• To explore the relationship between knowledge deficits and OC adherence.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study combining self-report questionnaires and semi-structured interviews.
• Participants included patients receiving OC for multiple myeloma (MM).
• Data collected through home visits and self-administered questionnaires.

Main Results:

• High adherence rates (92.2%) observed among MM patients on OC.
• Statistically significant knowledge deficits identified, correlated with ethnicity and gender.
• Potential for unintentional non-adherence due to insufficient OC knowledge.

Conclusions:

• While MM patients demonstrate high OC adherence, knowledge gaps pose a risk for non-adherence.
• Patient education on OC requires tailored approaches considering demographic factors.
• Enhanced home support involving primary care practitioners is essential for optimal OC management.