Universität zu Köln

Moritz, Anna K., Fehrmann, Wolfgang, Schuler, Markus K., Stock, Stephanie ORCID: 0000-0002-1726-9300, Jaehde, Ulrich and Ernstmann, Nicole ORCID: 0000-0001-7685-6110 (2025). Unmet information needs and knowledge gaps in cancer patients undergoing oral anticancer therapy. Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy, 20. pp. 1-9. Elsevier. ISSN 2667-2766

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Abstract

[Artikel-Nr.: 100678] Background: The increasing use of oral anticancer therapy (OAT) requires self-management skills from cancer patients. Adequate information and counseling, as well as medication literacy, are key elements of safe and successful therapy in the patient's home. Objective: The aim of the study was to identify unmet information needs and knowledge gaps of cancer patients regarding their therapy with OAT. Methods: Semi-structured, guideline-based interviews with cancer patients undergoing OAT were conducted, recorded and professionally transcribed. The transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: A total of 21 interviews were conducted. Fifteen of the interviewees were female, the median age was 69.6 years. Patients with solid tumours as well as those with blood cancers were interviewed. In the interviews, experiences were reported with various classes of OATs (chemotherapy; anti-hormonal therapy; targeted ther- apy). The following themes were identified: 1) Therapy-related information needs; 2) No information received; 3) No awareness for information needs; 4) No need for more information; 5) Therapy-related knowledge gaps; 6) Potentially inadequate knowledge. Deficits were identified in relation to correct use, possible interactions, and dealing with adverse events. Individual patients also report actively avoiding information. Conclusion: The identified information needs and knowledge gaps of patients undergoing OAT highlight the need to optimize information and counseling in order to ensure treatment safety and success. In addition to providing knowledge, the self-management skills of patients should also be specifically strengthened. Furthermore, im- provements to the structural framework in the outpatient setting are necessary, particularly with regard to the availability of counseling services. The results can be used as a basis for the development of specific interpro- fessional educational interventions for those affected.

Item Type:	Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Moritz, Anna K. UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Fehrmann, Wolfgang UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Schuler, Markus K. UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Stock, Stephanie UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1726-9300 UNSPECIFIED Jaehde, Ulrich UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Ernstmann, Nicole UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7685-6110 UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-812700
Identification Number:	10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100678
Journal or Publication Title:	Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy
Volume:	20
Page Range:	pp. 1-9
Number of Pages:	9
Date:	December 2025
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	2667-2766
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine > Gesundheitsökonomie > Institut für Gesundheitsökonomie und Klinische Epidemiologie Faculty of Medicine > Innere Medizin > Klinik I für Innere Medizin - Hämatologie und Onkologie Faculty of Medicine > Medizinsoziologie, Versorgungsforschung und Rehabilitationswissenschaft > Institut für Medizinsoziologie, Versorgungsforschung und Rehabilitationswissenschaft (IMVR)
Subjects:	Social sciences Medical sciences Medicine
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language Oral anticancer therapy ; Information needs ; Knowledge gaps ; Medication literacy ; Information and counseling English
['eprint_fieldname_oa_funders' not defined]:	Publikationsfonds UzK
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/81270