Chemotherapy Acute Infusion Reactions: A Qualitative Report of the Perspectives of Patients With Cancer.

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Chemotherapy Acute Infusion Reactions: A Qualitative Report of the Perspectives of Patients With Cancer.

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2018 Jan 01;:1049909118773995

Authors: Bartlett DJ, Childs DS, Breitkopf CR, Grudem ME, Mitchell JL, Looker SA, Ridgeway JL, Lee JL, Butterfield JH, Weroha SJ, Jatoi A

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: A growing number of cancer antineoplastic agents can cause life-threatening acute infusion reactions. Because previous studies have not studied these reactions from the perspective of patients, this study was undertaken with that objective in mind.
METHODS: Patients who had an acute infusion reaction were interviewed based on the Leventhal model. Once saturation of content was achieved, interviews were transcribed and analyzed with qualitative methodology.
RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were enrolled. Most were women (n = 15); the median age was 58 years, and paclitaxel was the most common inciting agent. Three themes emerged. First, these reactions are frightening; patients made remarks such as "I was just thinking oh my God, I am dying." Second, prior education about these reactions seemed to mitigate this fear, "Basically everything the nurses told me potentially could happen, like happened. So, I was prepared." Third, when health-care providers were prompt and attentive during the reaction, patients described less fear with future chemotherapy, "So no, I'm really not fearful about going in tomorrow because I know they'll be there and they'll be watching me."
CONCLUSION: These reactions evoke fear which can be mitigated with education prior to and with prompt responsiveness during the acute infusion reaction.

PMID: 29724109 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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