The effect of structured education to patients receiving oral agents for cancer treatment on medication adherence and self-efficacy

• Main Authors: Gamze Tokdemir, Sultan Kav
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2017-01-01
• Series: Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing
• Subjects: Medication adherence; nursing; oral agents for cancer; patient education; self-efficacy
• Online Access: http://www.apjon.org/article.asp?issn=2347-5625;year=2017;volume=4;issue=4;spage=290;epage=298;aulast=Tokdemir
• ISSN: 2347-5625; 2349-6673

Objective: This study was conducted to examine the effect of structured education on medication adherence and self-efficacy through the use of the MASCC Oral Agent Teaching Tool (MOATT) for patients receiving oral agents for cancer treatment. Methods: This quasi-experimental study has been conducted at two hospitals; 41 patients were included in the study. Data were obtained using a questionnaire, medication adherence self-efficacy scale (MASES), memorial symptom assessment scale, and a follow-up form (diary). Patients were educated through the use of the MOATT at a scheduled time; drug-specific information was provided along with a treatment scheme and follow-up diary. Phone interviews were completed 1 and 2 weeks after the educational session. At the next treatment cycle, the patients completed the same questionnaires. Results: Majority of the patients were receiving capecitabine (90.2%; n = 37) as an oral agent for breast (51.2%; n = 21) and stomach cancer (24.6%; n = 10) treatment. About 90.2% of patients (n = 37) stated that they did not forget to take their medication and experienced medication-related side effects (78%; n = 32). The total score of MASES was increased after the education (66.39 vs. 71.04, P < 0.05). Conclusions: It was shown that individual education with the MOATT and follow-up for patients receiving oral agents for cancer treatment increased patient medication adherence self-efficacy.