Improving the quality of anti-emetic therapy

The outcome of anti-emetic therapy (AT) to women with gynaecological cancer receiving chemotherapy, in total 552 courses, was registered for a 1-year period. A quality improvement (QI) programme was established, based on three standardized AT regimens. Evaluation and documentation of AT effects were performed by the patients themselves, reporting the number of emetic episodes and degree of nausea for 5 days following the chemotherapeutic treatment. The results were visualized in monthly graphic displays. Various factors which might contribute to the achieved improvements are discussed. In conclusion, the continuous QI process seems to be a suitable method in guiding direct patient care.