Work

Improvements of an oral anti-cancer drug safety management program for patients with cancer

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the impact of an oral anti - cancer drug safety management program on nurses and patients. Methods This study was a hospital-level quality-improvement evaluation (pre–post, quasi-experimental design) and was not registered as a clinical trial. It was conducted from August 2024 to December 2024 in a tertiary hospital in Beijing. The program comprised three stages: preparation, training, implementation and supervision. It included tiered training for nurses based on established nursing standards, standardized health education checklists for patients, and continuous support through virtual and in-person clinic visit. Associated improvements were evaluated using self-designed questionnaires. Data were collected from nurses before training and 2 months after program implementation, and from patients before and 1 month after education. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric paired sample tests were used for analysis. Results A total of 632 nurses participated in the program, of which 381 nurses completed both evaluations. The knowledge and behavior scores of nurses regarding on correct medication administration, protection against drug exposure, and early management of adverse reactions improved significantly (P < 0.001). The full-score rates for knowledge and behavior increased from 71.82% and 71.55% to 92.65% and 94.49%, respectively (Z = -11.462, -13.104, respectively; both P < 0.001). A total of 643 patients received guidance, of which 384 patients completed both evaluations. The knowledge and behavior scores of patients also improved significantly (P < 0.001), with the full-score rates increasing from 59.46% and 68.29% to 78.62% and 85.11%, respectively (Z = -11.473, -12.415, respectively; both P < 0.001). Conclusions Meaningful improvements were achieved through enhancements to the oral anti-cancer drug safety management program. Standardized training and structured implementation enabled nurses to provide evidence-based patient guidance, thereby enhancing patients' knowledge and skills in safe medication management. Practice implications Home-based management of oral anti-cancer drugs requires sustained attention of healthcare professionals, for providing patients and their families with continuous scientific and comprehensive services compliant with treatment protocol and safety. Healthcare professionals should identify patients' misconceptions and assess the specificities of patients' medication practices and their home environment to accordingly delivery personalized guidance.

Source: Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing

DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2025.100833