From Hospital to Home: Patient Experiences With Medication Counselling for Colorectal Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacotherapy
• Patient Experience Research

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents a significant global health challenge.
• The increasing use of oral anticancer drugs places greater emphasis on patient adherence and self-management.
• Understanding patient experiences with medication counseling is crucial for optimizing CRC pharmacotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences of colorectal cancer patients regarding medication counseling received in hospital and community pharmacy settings.
• To identify key themes and challenges influencing patient understanding and adherence to CRC medications.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study employing semistructured individual interviews with 21 colorectal cancer patients from a university hospital.
• Inductive content analysis using ATLAS.ti software to identify emergent themes.

Main Results:

• Patients reported varied counseling experiences, with some feeling adequately informed and others needing more support.
• Issues identified include discrepancies in medication reconciliation (especially with supplements), inconsistent instructions for medication use and contact, and challenges in accessing timely counseling.
• The role of community pharmacies in medication risk management and patient consultation was highlighted as beneficial.

Conclusions:

• Medication counseling for colorectal cancer patients requires greater consistency across healthcare settings.
• Strengthening the role of community pharmacies and improving information flow between hospitals and pharmacies are essential for enhancing patient outcomes.
• Addressing patient needs for detailed information and accessible support is paramount for effective cancer pharmacotherapy.