What Is the Impact of Novel Systemic Anticancer Therapy on Acute Oncology Education and Service Delivery?
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Published on: February 6, 2019
Gina Madera1, Ali Hodge2, Lara Roskelly3
1Medical Oncology/Networked Services, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
Objectives:
To discuss the importance of educating healthcare professionals about oncological emergencies linked to novel systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) and the impact on acute oncology (AO) services.
Methods:
This discussion is based on clinical expertise and informed by current literature.
Results:
Novel SACT, such as immune-checkpoint inhibitors, have more complex toxicity profiles and can be challenging to recognize and treat. An increasing prevalence of toxicity is expected as new drugs are developed and the numbers of patients living with and beyond cancer expand; more data are required to capture the full extent of this. There are knowledge gaps within the healthcare workforce, particularly outside oncology-specialist settings. Focused research in this area will provide direction for targeted educational interventions.
Conclusions:
Insufficient SACT education is a safety issue; severe toxicities can be fatal but initial symptoms can be subtle and may be missed. We argue that emergency care pathways can help to streamline the appropriate management of patients with SACT toxicity, but awareness of AO issues remains "everyone's business." Continuing clinical education is key to maintaining awareness of newly developed SACT. AO service models may vary, but AO competence assessment passports can provide a standardized method of evidencing AO knowledge and skills.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
Oncology nurses, as a highly specialized and knowledgeable part of the healthcare workforce, are key in supporting interprofessional education. By using existing cancer nursing frameworks, this can support the implementation of the AO Passports. The learning and development of AO services in the UK can be transferred internationally.
Insights
Educating healthcare professionals on novel systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) toxicities is crucial for patient safety. Enhanced acute oncology (AO) services and standardized education, like AO competence assessment passports, are vital for managing these emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Novel systemic anticancer therapies (SACT) present complex toxicity profiles, challenging recognition and treatment.
- The increasing prevalence of cancer survivors and new drug development necessitates a greater understanding of SACT-related toxicities.
- Knowledge gaps exist within the healthcare workforce, particularly in non-specialist settings, regarding SACT toxicities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of educating healthcare professionals on oncological emergencies associated with novel SACT.
- To discuss the impact of these emergencies on acute oncology (AO) services.
- To advocate for improved educational strategies and service models for managing SACT toxicities.
Main Methods:
- Clinical expertise.
- Literature review.
Main Results:
- Novel SACT, including immune-checkpoint inhibitors, have complex and potentially severe toxicities.
- There is a need for more data to understand the full extent of SACT-related toxicities.
- Targeted educational interventions are required to address knowledge gaps in SACT toxicity management.
Conclusions:
- Inadequate SACT education poses a significant safety risk, as subtle symptoms of severe toxicities can be missed.
- Emergency care pathways and enhanced AO services are essential for streamlining SACT toxicity management.
- Continuous education, standardized competence assessment (e.g., AO Passports), and interprofessional collaboration, especially involving oncology nurses, are key to improving patient outcomes and can be adapted internationally.
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