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| Authors | L M Azzopardi A Serracino Inglott M Zarb Adami C Lanfranco |
| Abstract | Aims: To assess the knowledge and expectations of breast cancer patients prior to receiving chemotherapy treatment, to establish incidence and severity of side effects and to evaluate effectiveness of education provided. Method: A prospective study with 25 patients (mean age 58 years, range 27-89) receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer was carried out. Patients were interviewed at pre-treatment stage to assess their knowledge and expectations on chemotherapy. They were again interviewed after their 1st, 3rd and 6th cycle to evaluate incidence and severity of side effects after chemotherapy. Patients received an information booklet prepared by a pharmacist on chemotherapy and occurrence of side effects and the impact of the education received was evaluated. Results: The most common regimen (72%) for chemotherapy was cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, fluorouracil. At pre-treatment, 48% (12) were satisfied with the information received about the treatment, 28% (7) were satisfied with the information received about side effects to be expected, and 96% (24) wanted more information. At post-treatment, patients reported that they found the treatment more difficult than expected (64%, 16), as expected (24%, 6) easier than expected (12%, 3). The most common side effects reported were hair loss (93%), nausea (88%), fatigue (85%). Patients rated the booklet distributed as useful (92%) and informative (92%). Conclusion: Patients are not fully satisfied with the information received about chemotherapy and about side effects to be expected. Pharmacists intervention in the provision of patient education directed to the individual patients needs is required to provide essential support to patients receiving chemotherapy. |
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| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
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| Key words | expectations, knowledge, patient knowledge, chemotherapy |