Nurse-Led Telehealth Oncology Clinic on ‘Home Management During Chemotherapy’ for Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients: Study Protocol of A Mixed Method Study

Sarita Ahwal; Kanika Rai; Ankur Jindal; Puja  Sahai

doi:10.55489/njcm.150720243991

Authors

Sarita Ahwal Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2370-4230
Kanika Rai Centre for Evidence Based Practice in Health Care, Chitkara School of Health Sciences, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
Ankur Jindal Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi, India
Puja Sahai Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.150720243991

Keywords:

Nurse-led telehealth clinic, quality of life, self management, PMRT, telehealth clinic, gastrointestinal cancer patients, oncology clinic, chemotherapy, severity of side effects

Abstract

Introduction: Telehealth is increasingly being used for symptom management among cancer patients on chemotherapy. Objective of the study is to develop Nurse-led Tele-health Oncology Clinic for GI cancer patients regarding ‘Home Management during Chemotherapy’.

Methods: The study will follow sequential explanatory mixed method design where during quantitative phase, using RCT (CTRI/2024/01/062028), GI cancer patients of age 18-65 years and undergoing 2^nd or 3^rd chemotherapy cycle will be randomised after obtaining consent to experimental (EG) & control (CG) groups. Ethical Clearance is already obtained. EG will be followed through Nurse-led Clinic which includes multiple virtual educational & counselling sessions, e-booklet on side effects management, PMRT, Support groups & telephonic follow ups. Effectiveness will be measured in terms of Quality of life, severity of side effects and Anxiety using FACT-G, CTCAE and DASS respectively. In qualitative phase, using extreme case sampling, in-depth interviews from consented participants will be conducted to explore experiences towards intervention.

Analysis: Analysis of quantitative data will use descriptive and inferential statistics. This follows thematic analysis and integration of data.

Conclusion: The study protocol will provide guidance to optimize utility of tele-medicine technology to improve healthcare outcomes especially for the GI cancer patients.

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