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Administering Antineoplastic Parenteral Cancer Therapy in the Patient's Home: Perspectives of Oncology Nurses-A Descriptive Qualitative Study
By Albin T, Sofia KS and Mattias P.
Abstract
Aim
To explore oncology nurses' perspectives on performing cancer treatments with parenteral antineoplastic agents in patients' homes.
Design
A descriptive qualitative study utilizing interviews.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were performed with oncology nurses at a hospital oncology daycare ward between October and November 2022. The interview data were inductively analysed with thematic content analysis.
Results
Five themes were identified: (1) Establishing rapport in the home environment, (2) The complexity of a home, (3) Adverse events-not practicalities, (4) Solitary nursing and (5) Planning enables performance. The nurses believed patients would benefit from home treatment with antineoplastic agents but were concerned about adverse events and working alone. For successful home treatments, nurses believed sufficient resources, education and support were necessary. Practicalities such as transporting, administering and waste handling were not considered complex. Neither did the antineoplastic agents handling seem problematic.