Perceptions of oncology healthcare professional providing care to older adults prescribed oral anticancer medications in the United States: A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction

Oral anticancer agents (OAAs) offer a level of convenience to receive cancer care in the home environment. However, oncology health care providers face barriers when providing patient education to ensure patient and caregiver's ability to learn and adhere to the medication regimen. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of oncology health care providers who provide care to older adults, aged 65 and older, prescribed OAAs using the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model as a guiding framework.

Methods

A qualitative study using a phenomenological approach, utilizing a semi-structured interview guide was used to elicit oncology health care provider perceptions of providing care for older adults prescribed OAAs. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and coded using Atlas.ti version 9. Inductive applied thematic analysis techniques were employed to identify emergent themes.

Results

Participants (N = 24) were mainly female and registered nurses (45.8%). The over-arching themes included 1) patient education and assessing comprehension, 2) adherence support, and 3) most challenging aspects of oral anticancer agent care.

Conclusion

Findings show that delivering patient education and managing ongoing surveillance of OAAs is vital for patients aged 65 and older, however standard practices for these areas have not been established and vary depending on the resource of the institutions, the type of prescribed OAAs and patient-specific differences.