Author of

• 20159

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  P1.10 - Nursing/Palliative Care/Ethics (ID 696)

  • Event: WCLC 2017
  • Type: Poster Session with Presenters Present
  • Track: Nursing/Palliative Care/Ethics
  • Presentations: 1
  • Moderators:
  • Coordinates: 10/16/2017, 09:30 - 16:00, Exhibit Hall (Hall B + C)

  • 22738

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    P1.10-003 - Synergy in Motion: Transferring Nursing Knowledge from Clinical Trials to Standard Therapy to Enhance Care and Communication (ID 8462)

    09:30 - 16:00  |  Presenting Author(s): Dianne Zawisza
    • Abstract

    Background:
    Immunotherapy has changed the standard treatment for lung cancer. While Immuno-Oncology (IO) agents may be better tolerated compared to conventional chemotherapy, immune related adverse events differ from those seen with traditional chemotherapy and potentially involve every organ system. Dermatologic, gastrointestinal, hepatic and endocrine toxicities typically predominate the adverse events profile of these agents. Severe autoimmune side effects may be experienced by patients treated with these new drugs. Given the complex spectrum and varying onset of IO toxicities, (early or later in treatment), the Specialized Oncology Nurse needs to be prepared to help educate and assist patients, and identify symptoms early and navigate them promptly to the best therapeutic solution with the medical team.
    
    Method:
    A pilot questionnaire, to be administered by nurses, was developed to assess IO adverse events based on an existing toxicity algorithm in consultation with medical oncologists. Over a ten week period, from March 23[rd]-31 May, 2017, twenty-seven patients receiving standard of care IO (Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab) therapy were evaluated using this questionnaire by seven Ambulatory Care Nurses at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The completed questionnaires were reviewed by the treating physician prior to the patients’ physical assessment.
    
    Result:
    Feedback from nurses and physicians was evaluated through a multiple choice questionnaire (Likert scales). Nurses and physicians strongly agreed that the IO assessment tool was helpful in streamlining toxicity evaluation, improvement in the flow of busy clinics, alerting physicians to important toxicities. During this time period, there were fewer phone calls to the clinic regarding toxicities. With the increased awareness of patients and improved communication amongst the interprofessional team, the team was more proactive regarding the early detection and management of toxicities with the implication being safer care for patients receiving IO.
    
    Conclusion:
    Continuous monitoring of patients utilizing a validated toxicity tool is paramount with the vast array of IO agents used in the lung cancer patient journey. As Specialized Oncology Nurses in Clinical Trials, the synergistic impact of an IO toxicity questionnaire can enhance the collaboration among the interprofessional team and ensure a proactive approach to care and symptom management. The IO questionnaire facilitated communication among the interdisciplinary team for patients on multiple IO agents, and deemed valuable by both nurses and physicians.