Patient-practitioner perception gap in treatment-induced nausea and vomiting.
This UK cohort analysis of a European survey evaluated the differences between health professionals and cancer patients regarding the perceived incidence, impact and drug management of chemotherapy/radiotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting (CINV/RINV). The UK healthcare system is unique in that it has dedicated oncology clinical nurse specialists. The analysis found that more patients experienced nausea following their most recent treatment cycle than vomiting. Health professionals overestimated the incidence of CINV/RINV but underestimated its impact on patients' daily lives, particularly in cases of mild and moderate nausea/vomiting. The level of antiemetic cover initiated and degree of symptom control was often suboptimal. Patients under-reported symptoms, primarily because they considered nausea/vomiting an inevitable side effect of treatment. Altogether, 42% of patients reported full adherence to their antiemetic regimen. Leading factors for non-adherence included not having a 'preventive mindset', low symptom severity and a reluctance to increase pill burden. In conclusion, there is a perceptual gap between health professionals and patients around experiences of CINV/RINV. Advances in management depend on enhancing health professional-patient communication, and reporting and understanding nausea as a distinct issue.
Head of Nursing and Governance, Alcura UK, Alton, Hampshire.
Cheryl
C
Vidall
Medical Director UK and Ireland, Norgine, Uxbridge.
Sangeeta
S
Sharma
Medical Director International and Partnerships, Norgine, Uxbridge.
Bharat
B
Amlani
D000932:Antiemetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009726:Nurses; D000072103:Oncologists; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010465:Perception; D012701:Serotonin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology
D000932:Antiemetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; D012701:Serotonin
Antiemetics; Nausea and vomiting; Patient-reported outcomes; Quality of life; Side effect incidence and impact