Oral Chemotherapy Offers Patients a More Convenient, Less Invasive Treatm...(ity to manage complex oral chemotherapy ...),Health

The Trinitas program responds to the intricacies of oral chemotherapy through a team-focused approach to creating infrastructures, polices and procedures that promote collaborative communications among the center's physicians, nurses and pharmacists. Trinitas is also developing a program to educate local pharmacists regarding the oral agents, toxicity profiles and safe handling.

Key to the program's success is an in-depth educational component that enables patients to take charge of their therapy and be active participants in their care, while enabling physicians and nurses to maintain significant measures of control and patient engagement.

"Patients receive instruction in safe handling procedures for their medication, as well as information about their specific diagnosis and the oral agent that's been prescribed for their treatment," said Jeanette Barefoot, Director, Clinical Operations at Trinitas. "Key to the education process is helping patients understand how to identify, manage and report side effects. Finally, each patient is given round-the-clock contact information for Trinitas staff, ensuring all patient questions receive prompt answers and any problems are reported as soon as possible."

Barefoot added that patient understanding and adherence is enhanced through printed materials, individualized calendars and even, pre-loaded pillboxes. Concurrently, Trinitas nurses provide ongoing phone interventions, while regular adherence evaluations and documentation help further ensure the success of each patient's treatment experience.

Significantly, the Trinitas program integrates various components to eliminate potential obstacles for patients. These components include a translation service for non-English speaking patients, measures to help patients circumvent financial barriers including
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