Comparing Self-Injection Teaching Strategies for Patients With Breast Cancer and Their Caregivers: A Pilot Study.
BACKGROUND
A prospective, quasiexperimental pilot study with a sequential design was performed to compare two methods of teaching self-injection.


OBJECTIVE
The study examined 50 patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment and their caregivers to determine if simulation during the teaching experience affects patient/caregiver satisfaction, worry, and self-confidence, as well as nurse satisfaction.


METHODS
Structured questionnaires were administered before the teaching, immediately after the teaching, and after the injection was performed at home. Nurses who performed the teaching also completed a questionnaire after the teaching.


RESULTS
Use of simulation did not affect patient/caregiver satisfaction, worry, or self-confidence. The largest impact on learner worry was the actual teaching experience, regardless of the methodology used. Nurses reported greater levels of satisfaction when simulation was part of the teaching. Patient/caregiver satisfaction with the teaching experience decreased after performing the injection at home. Additional research is needed to identify the best methodology for teaching patients and caregivers self-injection. Data from this study revealed that the addition of simulation during teaching does not always translate to better education. In addition, based on patient/caregiver reports, no substitution exists for actual injection administration.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
Erica
E
Fischer-Cartlidge
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Sonya
S
Romanoff
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Bridgette
B
Thom
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Chasity
C
Burrows Walters
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012646:Self Administration / Q000523:psychology*; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
Patient education; home injection; injection teaching; self-injection; simulation; subcutaneous injection