Authors (including presenting author) :
Lun KC(1), Wang S(1), Chui YW(1), Lee KC(1), Leung PS(1), Man SW(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Introduction :
Chemotherapy induces various physiological and psychological side effects on cancer patients, thus affecting their quality of life. An empowerment education programme on Chemotherapy Regimen FOLFIRI (5-fluorouracil, Folinic acid, Irinotecan) was conducted to enhance colorectal cancer inpatients’ knowledge and skills in managing chemotherapy side effects and to reduce their anxiety levels. Multimedia education materials which included web-based video and printed booklets were developed to improve patients’ understanding on related side effect management.
Objectives :
The programme can show to be useful:
1)To enhance colorectal cancer inpatients’ knowledge level on FOLFIRI side effects
2)To reduce their anxiety level
3)To enhance their self-efficacy in managing FOLFIRI side effects
Methodology :
A single group quasi-experimental pre-post measure was employed. The education intervention programme was introduced to the inpatients who received FOLFIRI in Clinical Oncology wards at Queen Elizabeth Hospital from 1 April to 15 June 2024. 10 participants aged from 48 to 66 years were recruited. A self-developed questionnaire which includes a knowledge test on FOLFIRI chemotherapy, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 tool (GAD-7) and the brief version of the Cancer Behavior Inventory (CBI-B) chinese version was used to assess participants’ knowledge levels, anxiety and self-efficacy for symptom management pre-, post-intervention and at close-out.
Result & Outcome :
A significant improvement from the knowledge test was noted for the participants after the programme. The percentage of overall correct answers was enhanced from 49% to 85%, then 96% as a result. Participants reported significantly lower mean GAD-7 score and significantly higher mean CBI-B score (paired t-test, p< 0.05) post-intervention and at close-out. These results revealed significant improvement in participants’ anxiety level and self-confidence in symptom management.
To conclude, this programme exhibited effectiveness in reducing psychological distress, building up confidence in symptom management and leveling up knowledge of inpatients receiving FOLFIRI chemotherapy. Such intervention could be applied to cancer patients receiving other chemotherapy regimens.
