Improving Patient Education on Medication Toxicities in Oncology

Effective oncology education requires tailored communication strategies, such as assessing learning styles and using teach-back methods, to ensure patients understand potential toxicities and feel supported, according to insights from Amber Altidor, NP, at the 23rd American Psychosocial Oncology Society Annual Conference.

Altidor, who works in psychiatry and psychology services at Rush MD Anderson Cancer Center, explains that the inherent stress of an oncology visit can make it difficult for patients to process complex information regarding medications and adverse effects. To address this, she recommends that nurses and advanced practice providers begin by assessing how a patient best receives information, specifically whether they prefer verbal explanations or a written format.

Altidor highlights the value of the “teach-back” method as a vital way to check in with patients during these high-pressure appointments. By inviting patients to share what they have taken away from the discussion and which specific side effects concern them most, clinicians can provide deeper and more targeted education. This proactive approach establishes a strong rapport and ensures that patients leave their appointments feeling fully aware of potential toxicities and the support resources available to them. These communication techniques empower patients to navigate their treatment with greater confidence and clarity.

Transcript

First, assessing the patient’s learning style is helpful. Some of our patients prefer to receive information verbally vs a written format, so we want to know how patients best receive information first, and then go forward delivering information based from that.

There are great teach-back methods that we can work with patients on. During an oncology visit, when we’re educating about toxicities, about medication, it’s stressful, and so it’s important for nurses to check in with patients and say, “OK, I’ve said a lot; tell me about what you took away from that. Tell me about which side effects you’re most concerned about, which we should talk about a little bit deeply.”

Checking in with the patient establishes great rapport and ensures that they have all their questions answered are left with the feeling that they are aware of what the toxicities are and what support resources are available to them. Should they experience any of that, that’s a really good way to go forward.

This transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.