Medication adherence at home for paediatric oncology patients and their families
This project aims to support childhood cancer patients and families to manage their medications appropriately, throughout their cancer journey and beyond.
Phase 1 engaged consumers to uncover some of the challenges that may be faced by paediatric oncology patients and their families, when managing medications at home.
The 4 key findings from this consumer consultation:
- A lot of information is delivered to patients and their caregivers in the early stages of their cancer treatment journey, but not all of it is retained.
- Face-to-face remains the preferred channel for patients and their caregivers to be receiving medication education, even when digitally enabled.
- Administering medications to a sick child remains one of the biggest challenges for parents and caregivers, with most wanting more assistance and reassurance.
- Medication lists and tick sheets are invaluable to parents and caregivers when managing medications, but many feel they could be even better.
Six recommendations were synthesised from the inputs of consumers and paediatric oncology staff.
Phase 2 of the project has commenced, to assess the viability and feasibility of the recommendations in the current context and to implement evidence-based initiatives that promote and improve medication adherence, alongside an uplift of patient and family experience with managing and administering medications.
The current focus of the project is the development of a suite of consumer information and educational resources, including an ‘Introduction to taking medications’ resource and an easily accessible repertoire of consumer and healthcare professional verified ‘tips and tricks’.
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