Congress Abstracts 2003

83

NURSES AND PATIENTS: PARTNERS IN DEFINING EDUCATIONAL NEEDS. Lisa Toland, RN, BNS, DONS, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.

Chemotherapy can be a daunting and overwhelming experience for patients. The clinic nurse is often the first link and source of information and encouragement for these patients. The nurse plays a vital role in maintaining open channels of communication between the patient, physician, and other team members. In the head and neck medical oncology ambulatory clinic, a retrospective review of telephone records revealed that patients called with questions or concerns regarding the side effects of chemotherapy and treatment modalities. Other patient issues involved the use of prescribed antiemetics and scheduling of appointments. This review prompted a re-evaluation of the patient/family pre-treatment education session.

A program evaluation project was initiated using a patient survey regarding the adequacy of preparation for chemotherapy. A telephone call was planned after the first course of chemotherapy to determine whether a call to the patient/family during the first 48 hours after chemotherapy would reduce telephone calls to the clinic nurse and unscheduled clinic and ER visits. Patients starting on chemotherapy were randomly assigned to the telephone group or no call group.

Fifteen patients have returned questionnaires at this time, 6 (40%) in the telephone group and 9 (60%)in the no call group.

Preliminary results indicate that all of the patients felt prepared for the experience by the pre-chemotherapy education. All, but one patient, understood how to take medications. All patients in the call group and five (55.5%) in the no call group thought that the call was a good idea. Three patients in the call group appropriately visited the ER for significant side effects. Analysis of ER and clinic telephone logs for the clinic and ER calls and additional questionnaires is in progress.

Results of this evaluation will be used to redefine the education program and educational materials. In addition, written protocols for these patients will be shared with the ER. A collaborative approach will be used to reduce the occurrence of unnecessary unscheduled visits.