Exploring adherence to oral chemotherapy in the setting of metastatic colorectal cancer

Jones, Ellen (2011). Exploring adherence to oral chemotherapy in the setting of metastatic colorectal cancer Master's Thesis, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland.

       
Author Jones, Ellen
Thesis Title Exploring adherence to oral chemotherapy in the setting of metastatic colorectal cancer
School, Centre or Institute School of Pharmacy
Institution The University of Queensland
Publication date 2011-07
Thesis type Master's Thesis
Supervisor Adam La Caze
Neil Cottrell
Total pages 61
Total black and white pages 61
Language eng
Subjects 111503 Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice
Formatted abstract Aim
To assess patients’ adherence to oral chemotherapy (capecitabine) and identify barriers to adherence in the metastatic colorectal cancer setting.

Methods
Patients receiving capecitabine were surveyed with the Beliefs and Behaviour Questionnaire (BBQ). With the responses on the five-point scale, types of non-adherence (intentional/nonintentional) and the reasons behind non-adherence may be identified. Patients’ adherence was further verified with the Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) (i.e. ratio of the days that dispensed capecitabine supply will cover for a specified time period) and adherence ratio (i.e. comparing adherence/non-adherence scores with the scores obtained from the scales of Beliefs and Experiences without dichotomizing patients into adherent/non-adherent).

Results
Twenty-two patients were recruited. Seven (31.8%) patients were identified as non-adherers according to the BBQ. These patients had higher levels of “concerns” compared to their adherent counterparts. Discrepancies between the BBQ and MPR were noted. Only two (33.3%) patients identified as non-adherers by the MPR method were also identified as non-adherers by the BBQ. The adherence ratio approach supported the findings from the BBQ.

Conclusion
A high level of concern was predictive of non-adherent behaviour. A multidisciplinary approach to gain insight into the beliefs and experiences of the non-adherers may better support their appropriate use of medication.
Keyword Oral
Chemotherapy
Metastatic

 
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Created: Fri, 24 Aug 2012, 14:57:31 EST by Vanessa Lee King on behalf of School of Pharmacy