RESUMEN
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To collect baseline measurements before the implementation of interventions associated with the AIM (Assessment Information Management) Higher Initiative--a quality improvement program intended to improve symptom assessment, management, and information distribution for five chemotherapy-related symptom groups: anemia, neutropenia, diarrhea and constipation, nausea and vomiting, and depression and anxiety. DESIGN: Subject telephone interviews and chart reviews. SETTING: 15 community oncology clinics in the United States. SAMPLE: 376 adult patients with cancer who visited a healthcare provider before the start of a chemotherapy cycle; patients were enrolled in the study after the initiation of chemotherapy, with at least one chemotherapy cycle remaining. METHODS: Subject interviews and chart reviews to determine the frequency, assessment, and management of and information about target symptoms. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: The frequency of target chemotherapy-related symptoms and occurrence of symptom-specific assessment, information provided, and management. FINDINGS: The five target symptoms had occurred in a considerable proportion of patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy during their most recent chemotherapy cycles. At a substantial number of clinic visits, no documentation of cancer-related symptom assessment, information distribution, or management occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy-related symptoms occur frequently but often are not assessed, managed, or handled with appropriate patient information. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Findings in the baseline evaluation illustrate the need to improve supportive care--a key responsibility of oncology nurses.