Easing The Way For Chemotherapy
Chiew Cheng Fong
Nurse Clinician, NCC

The diagnosis of cancer can have a devastating effect on patients. Besides the need to cope with the psychosocial effects of cancer, patients will require to cope with the various treatment modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

With advances in medical technology and supportive care in cancer treatment, patients previously requiring admission to hospital for chemotherapy can now be treated in ambulatory settings. This shift from inpatient to outpatient administration of chemotherapy has placed a tremendous burden on patients and caregivers as it necessitates a shift in responsibility for managing chemotherapy side effects from healthcare providers to patients and their families. It is crucial that patients and families learn to manage the side effects of chemotherapy as they are likely to encounter its problems outside the hospital setting when receiving outpatient chemotherapy.

Previously, teaching on side effects of chemotherapy and its self-care was done during patients’ first visit to Ambulatory Treatment Unit while they are receiving treatment. However, this becomes ineffective as patients may be fearful and anxious about the treatment, thus may not be able to concentrate and absorb the information given.

As such, it is now the Chemotherapy Nurse Clinician who conducts the Group Teaching for patients who have been offered chemotherapy during their first visit with the doctors. The group teaching ensures that information provided is consistent and it also provides an opportunity for patients and families to make informed decision before commencement of treatment. Two sessions of English and Chinese are conducted daily from Monday to Friday with each session lasting an hour each. The sessions help to stimulate discussions and clarify doubts for patients and their families.

Besides providing patient education, care and counselling, the Chemotherapy Nurse Clinician also participates in the Mandarin Support Group where she shares her knowledge of chemotherapy with patients (and caregivers) who are starting treatment or have started treatment. She plays an important role as a counsellor to help patients and their families cope with chemotherapy and other difficulties arising from the treatment.

The Chemotherapy Nurse Clinician also serves as a resource and develops education programmes and courses for nurses and other healthcare professionals, to facilitate them in providing optimal care for patients and their families.