Opinions and Experiences of Patients Receiving Oral Chemotherapy: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objective: This study is a qualitative study aimed to determine the opinions and experiences of patients receiving oral chemotherapy. Methods: The study was conducted in 2018 with 18 volunteers who admitted to the outpatient oncology clinic of a university hospital and received oral chemotherapy. In data collection, a description form and a semi-structured interview form were used. In data analysis process, transcription after each interview and evaluation steps through thematic content analysis method were employed. COREQ-Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative research was used in the structuring and reporting phase of the qualitative study. Results: The themes obtained in the study were access to drugs, use of medicine, side effects and control of treatment, approach of health professionals and support of family and relatives. There is a need to ensure the continuity of the treatment follow-up period in order to improve treatment compliance of patients, to monitor side effects of treatment and to ensure safe use of medicines. Conclusion: In this process, it is crucial that nurses take an active role in patient education and counseling among health professionals so that weaknesses in the patient's drug use process and opportunities for improvement could be identified.