Supporting People Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Qualitative Study Exploring Oncology Healthcare Professionals’ Experiences

Tessa Watts*, Stephen Jennings, Sally Anstey, Dominic Roche

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

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 pur posively 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 bene fits 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 enhance ment of health professionals' knowledge and understanding of immunotherapy, supported by the prioritiz ing 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. Implications for Nursing Practice: Effective care and treatment management for people receiving checkpoint inhibitors require nurses' support through their expert knowledge of immunotherapy and their skills for appropriate coordination and organization of cross-boundary care.
Original languageEnglish
Article number151745
JournalSeminars in Oncology Nursing
Volume40
Issue number6
Early online date30 Oct 2024
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 30 Oct 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Authors

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Supporting People Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Qualitative Study Exploring Oncology Healthcare Professionals’ Experiences'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this