Enhancing Adherence Through Patient Education: How Providers Can Support CML Patients on TKIs
Panelists discuss how patient education plays a crucial role in ensuring adherence to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy by building trust through clear explanations of medications and expected adverse effects, tailoring information to individual patients, involving caregivers when appropriate, and emphasizing that education must continue throughout the patient's lifelong treatment journey as part of a collaborative team approach.
Patient Education in CML Management: Physician Summary
Role of Education in TKI Adherence Optimization
Foundation for Treatment Success
- Trust building: Comprehensive education establishes trust in the therapeutic relationship.
- Adherence promotion: Patients who understand their therapy rationale are more likely to maintain treatment consistency.
Essential Educational Components
- Treatment mechanism: Clear explanation of how TKIs work to control chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
- Adverse effect preparation: Proactive discussion of potential adverse effects before they occur
- Management strategies: Concrete plans for addressing complications if they arise
Implementation Strategies
- Personalized approach: Tailor educational content to individual patient needs, health literacy, and learning preferences
- Caregiver inclusion: Involve family members and caregivers in educational sessions when appropriate
- Continuous process: Recognize that education is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey
- Regular reinforcement of key concepts
- Updates on evolving treatment landscape
- Adaptation to changing patient circumstances
Collaborative Framework
- Team-based concept: Frame CML management as a collaborative effort between the health care team and patient
- Shared responsibility: Emphasize partnership rather than directive approach
- Outcome optimization: Connect adherence directly to treatment success and quality of life
Effective patient education serves as the cornerstone of successful long-term CML management, supporting both optimal disease control and quality of life throughout the patient's treatment journey.
