Patient satisfaction with information on oral anticancer agent use

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Patient Care

Background:

• Adequate patient information on oral anticancer agents (OACAs) is crucial for effective cancer treatment.
• Understanding patient experiences with OACA information is essential for optimizing care.
• Information gaps can lead to dissatisfaction and potentially impact treatment adherence and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate patient experiences with information provided on oral anticancer agent (OACA) treatment.
• To identify patient characteristics associated with dissatisfaction regarding OACA information.
• To pinpoint specific areas where OACA information is perceived as inadequate by patients.

Main Methods:

• An observational study involving 208 patients from four Dutch university hospitals using various OACAs.
• Validated questionnaires were used: Satisfaction with Information about Medicines Scale (SIMS), EORTC QLQ-C30, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, and Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire-Specific.
• Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors linked to information dissatisfaction.

Main Results:

• A significant number of patients reported inadequate information on OACA mechanisms, efficacy timelines, side effect management, and daily life interferences (e.g., sex life, drowsiness, medication/alcohol interactions, missed doses).
• Key OACAs studied included capecitabine, lenalidomide, imatinib, and temozolomide.
• Factors associated with information dissatisfaction included younger age, hematological malignancy, dyspnea, positive perception of cancer consequences, low treatment control perception, and an indifferent attitude towards OACAs.

Conclusions:

• A considerable proportion of patients desire more comprehensive information on the effects, side effects, and daily life impacts of OACA treatment.
• Healthcare professionals, including oncologists, hematologists, lung-oncologists, and pharmacists, should review and potentially enhance their provision of OACA-related information.
• Addressing these information deficits can contribute to improved patient understanding, satisfaction, and overall cancer care.