A Multidisciplinary Team, Patients and Caregivers Preparation of the Home Chemotherapy Services for Colorectal Cancer Patients in the Situation of the COVID-19 Outbreak

Abstract

Introduction: The home chemotherapy service is a fast-tracked and innovative approach to serving colorectal cancer patients amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. However, due to the urgent and constrained circumstances, ensuring the safe-administration of chemotherapy for patients and their caregivers poses greater challenges for personnel.

Research Objectives: To examine the process of preparing a multidisciplinary team, patients, and caregivers in home chemotherapy services.

Research Methodology: This is a qualitative study, collecting data from 25 participants. Content analysis was used to analyze data.

Results: There were 3 phases of the multidisciplinary team preparation process, namely planning phase, pre-admission phase, and periodic chemotherapy services at home. These included team composition, team member qualification, job description, team recruitment, new knowledge and skills required, a hospital readiness assessment, knowledge and skill sharing, budget and documents preparation, patient’s decision making, multidisciplinary approach, standard control, and follow-up. Patients and caregivers preparation consisted of information giving and decision-making, being cared for by a multidisciplinary team, port-A-cath preparation, first chemotherapy administration, and home support.

Conclusions: Home chemotherapy services in the situation of the COVID-19 outbreak required well prepared multidisciplinary team, patients, and caregivers. These must be relevant  to the context, good team selection criteria and teamwork, joint decision by the provider and the recipient of the service and have effective communication channels to follow up with patients.

Implications: Various approaches should be explored to prepare a multidisciplinary team that can help patients manage themselves while receiving chemotherapy safely at home.