Utilization evaluation of anti-cancer agents in patients with head and neck cancer

Utilization evaluation of anti-cancer agents in patients with head and neck cancer in a South Indian specialty cancer hospital: Aakanksha Sharma, Gurumurthy Parthasarathi, Himanshu Patel



International Journal of Health & Allied Sciences 2020 9(1):67-73



BACKGROUND: This study was aimed to understand prescribing patterns of anti-cancer agents in patients with head and neck cancer, and to provide practice recommendations/educational interventions to optimize medication use in patients with head and neck cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out in an oncology specialty hospital for 3 years. The retrospective data were collected for 6 months for head and neck cancer patients treated in a last one year, and the prescribing pattern was studied. The selection of anticancer drug(s), dosage of the anticancer drugs, and emesis management were reviewed with respect to the National Cancer Comprehensive Network guidelines, whereas the administration was reviewed with respect to the hospital policies. The deviations were observed, and practice recommendations were developed. Health care professionals (oncology treatment team) were updated/educated on these recommendations. This was followed by a prospective phase for 18 months wherein the prescribing pattern was reviewed in a similar manner as retrospective phase. Compliance to treatment standards was assessed in both phases and reviewed to study an impact of educational interventions provided.

RESULTS: One hundred and four retrospective prescriptions were reviewed and showed a compliance of 88% in selection of anticancer drug, 71% in its dosing, and 75% in its administration whereas antiemetics prescription showed 55% compliance in selection, 53% in dosing, and 88% in administration. Two hundred and eighty-eight prescriptions were reviewed prospectively and showed 92% compliance in selection of anticancer drug, 80% in its dosing, and 85% in its administration, whereas antiemetics prescription showed 87% compliance in selection, 75% in dosing, and 92% in administration.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that practice recommendations provided by research panel, in form of educational interventions were useful in improving use of medications in study population. It was evident from relatively higher compliance rate to treatment standards after interventions.