Supporting people treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a qualitative study exploring oncology healthcare professionals' experiences

Watts, Tessa ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1201-5192, Jennings, Stephen, Anstey, Sally ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2295-3761 and Roche, Dominic 2024. Supporting people treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a qualitative study exploring oncology healthcare professionals' experiences. Seminars in Oncology Nursing , 151745. 10.1016/j.soncn.2024.151745

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Abstract

Objectives Immune checkpoint inhibitors have recently developed successfully in treatment for several advanced cancers, including advanced renal cancer, where options have previously been limited. However, while some are able to tolerate these treatments, others may experience unpredictable and sometimes severe immune-related adverse events. Oncology health care professionals have vital roles in optimizing safety and supporting positive outcomes for people receiving these treatments. This study aimed to better understand these professionals’ experiences of supporting people receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. Methods A qualitative exploratory methodology was adopted using semi-structured interviews with 18 purposively sampled senior oncology health professionals, including 12 nurses, who had experience caring for people being treated with checkpoint inhibitors. Data were collected between June and September 2020, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results The analysis identified three main themes: First, participants were positive about the potential benefits that checkpoint inhibitors afforded patients, balanced against challenges associated with ambiguities of the treatments and potential impact on existing workloads. Secondly, participants identified the importance of proactive patient monitoring for early detection and reporting of adverse events. Participants highlighted potential challenges if these events went undetected, particularly in the context of the expectation for patient recognition and prompt reporting. Finally, participants identified the need for continual enhancement of health professionals' knowledge and understanding of immunotherapy, supported by the prioritizing of formal immunotherapy education. Conclusions Whilst immune checkpoint inhibitors offer the possibility for improved disease outcomes, this is balanced against uncertainties regarding potentially unpredictable, often complex, adverse treatment events. This study shows that nurses have vital roles in supporting people receiving these treatments.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0749-2081
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	31 October 2024
Date of Acceptance:	25 September 2024
Last Modified:	06 Nov 2024 01:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/173559

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