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Medication risk communication with cancer patients in a Middle East cancer care setting
Authors Wilbur K, Al Okka M, Jumat E, Eissa N, Elbashir M, Sumaya Al Saadi Al-Yafei S
Received 3 November 2015
Accepted for publication 23 February 2016
Published 22 April 2016 Volume 2016:10 Pages 613—619
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S99718
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single-blind
Peer reviewers approved by Dr Lucy Goodman
Peer reviewer comments 2
Editor who approved publication: Dr Johnny Chen
Kerry Wilbur,1 Maha Al-Okka,1 Ebaa Jumaat,1 Nesma Eissa,1 Merwa Elbashir,1 Sumaya M Al Saadi Al-Yafei2
1College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, 2Pharmacy Department, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Doha, Qatar
Purpose: Cancer treatments are frequently associated with adverse effects, but there may be a cultural reluctance by care providers to be forthcoming with patients regarding these risks for fear of promoting nonadherence. Conversely, research in a number of countries indicates high levels of patient desire for this information. We sought to explore cancer patient experiences, satisfaction, and preferences for medication risk communication in a Middle East care setting.
Methods: We developed and administered a ten-item questionnaire (Arabic and English) to a convenience sample of consenting adult patients receiving treatment at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research in Qatar.
Results: One hundred and forty-three patients were interviewed. Most (88%) stated that the level of side effect information they received was sufficient, with physicians (86%) followed by pharmacists (39%) as the preferred sources. The majority (97%) agreed that knowing about possible side effects would help them recognize and manage the reaction, and 92% agreed that it would help them understand how to minimize or prevent the risks. Eighteen percent indicated that this information would make them not want to take treatment. Two-thirds (65%) had previously experienced intolerance to their cancer treatment regimen.
Conclusion: Most patients surveyed expressed preference for the details of possible side effects they may encounter in their treatment. However, one in five considered such information a factor for nonadherence, indicating the need for patient-specific approaches when communicating medication risks.
Keywords: risk communication, cancer treatment, Middle East
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