Immediate versus delayed self-reporting of symptoms and side effects during chemotherapy: does timing matter?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine how patients recall symptoms at a delayed self-report. Accurate insight into toxicity symptoms during chemotherapy is essential so that nurses and doctors can assess therapeutic tolerance and adjust supportive care accordingly.


METHODS
A non-experimental, longitudinal design was employed. Using the Therapy-Related Symptoms Checklist (TRSC), respondents (n = 142) reported their initial symptoms during the first 7 days of the chemotherapy cycle at two different times: (1) each day of the first seven days after the chemotherapy administration (immediate self-report), and (2) at their next hospital visit for chemotherapy (delayed self-report). We compared the number and severity of symptoms and side effects reported in the immediate and delayed self-reports.


RESULTS
Respondents reported significantly fewer symptoms and fewer severe symptoms in the delayed self-report. For 22 out of 25 symptoms the delayed-reported grade was significantly lower than the immediate-reported maximum grade. Compared to the immediate-reported median grade, significant differences occurred in only 10 out of the 25 symptoms. In all cases, except fatigue, the delayed-reported grade was significantly higher than the immediate-reported median grade.


CONCLUSIONS
This study indicates that delayed self-report of chemotherapy side effects is not an appropriate measure of actual symptoms and side effects experienced by patients. Delayed self-report gives a weaker insight into actual symptom burden. Fatigue is at particular risk to be minimized at the delayed self-report. Therefore it is recommended to assess chemotherapy-related symptoms and side effects by means of immediate self-report.
Coolbrandt
Annemarie
A
Department of Oncology/Hematology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. annemarie.coolbrandt@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
Van den Heede
Koen
K
Vanhove
Ellen
E
De Bom
Ann
A
Milisen
Koen
K
Wildiers
Hans
H
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult