Reducing Treatment Burdens: The Role of APPs in Enhancing CML Patient Quality of Life
Panelists discuss how advanced practice providers (APPs) serve as crucial touchpoints throughout the journey of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), offering more accessible communication, early identification of adverse effects, medication management support, and integration of comprehensive supportive care services that collectively reduce emotional and logistical stress while improving overall quality of life.
APPs in CML Care: Clinical Summary
Role of APPs in CML Management
APPs serve as critical components in optimizing CML patient care through:
Key Contributions to Patient Care
- Continuity of care: APPs often serve as the primary point of contact throughout a patient's treatment journey.
- Early intervention: Well-positioned to identify and address adverse effects or medication difficulties at an early stage
- Medication management: Can help simplify medication schedules and adjust regimens to improve adherence
- Adverse effect management: Provide timely intervention for adverse events that impact quality of life
- Accessibility: More frequent availability for patient questions and concerns
Enhancing Quality of Life
- Emotional support: Regular contact reduces emotional stress associated with chronic cancer treatment.
- Logistical assistance: Help patients navigate treatment complexities and health care system challenges
- Extended patient interaction: More time available for comprehensive discussions compared with physician visits
Comprehensive Care Coordination
- Integration of supportive services: Connecting patients with:
- Nutritional counseling
- Mental health support
- Caregiver education resources
Clinical Observation
- Patients may disclose chronic adverse events more readily to APPs compared with physicians
- These quality-of-life issues might otherwise remain unaddressed in standard follow-up visits.
- APPs facilitate open communication about symptoms that patients might consider too minor to report to physicians.
Long-Term Health Considerations
- With normal life expectancy now expected in controlled CML, the focus extends to:
- Management of comorbid conditions
- Overall wellness promotion
- Prevention of complications unrelated to CML
This collaborative care model strengthens the treatment of patients with CML, addressing both disease control and quality-of-life considerations for optimal long-term outcomes.
