Development of a comprehensive nursing/toxicity assessment form.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and implement a form that integrates nursing and clinical trials toxicity assessments and interventions.


METHODS
Published books, journal articles, and toxicity scales.


RESULTS
The combined nursing and biometry department Documentation/Toxicity Committee at the London Regional Cancer Centre designed and implemented the comprehensive Patient Assessment Record (PAR) to provide consistent nursing and toxicity data related to patients enrolled in clinical trials research protocols. Nursing interventions and evaluations are documented on the Nursing Intervention Record (NIR).


CONCLUSIONS
Initial evaluation suggested that the PAR has been an effective form. Audit results indicated that the form minimizes the number of individuals collecting the same data while maintaining the quality of toxicity data.


CONCLUSIONS
The collection of toxicity data for patients enrolled in clinical trials protocols has been incorporated into primary nurses' job descriptions. This additional responsibility has enhanced their role. Both the PAR and the NIR have assisted the multidisciplinary teams in meeting their documentation needs.
Allaster
R M
RM
London Regional Cancer Centre, Ontario, Canada.
Frayne
B K
BK
Malpage
A S
AS
Smuck
B L
BL
Studzienny
L G
LG
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009731:Nursing Audit; D009737:Nursing Records / Q000592:standards*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010865:Pilot Projects
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents