The Effect of Structured Education to Patients Receiving Oral Agents for Cancer Treatment on Medication Adherence and Self-efficacy

OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to examine the effect of structured education on medication adherence and self-efficacy through the use of the MASCC Oral Agent Teaching Tool (MOATT) for patients receiving oral agents for cancer treatment. METHODS This quasi-experimental study has been conducted at two hospitals; 41 patients were included in the study. Data were obtained using a questionnaire, medication adherence self-efficacy scale (MASES), memorial symptom assessment scale, and a follow-up form (diary). Patients were educated through the use of the MOATT at a scheduled time; drug-specific information was provided along with a treatment scheme and follow-up diary. Phone interviews were completed 1 and 2 weeks after the educational session. At the next treatment cycle, the patients completed the same questionnaires. RESULTS Majority of the patients were receiving capecitabine (90.2%; n = 37) as an oral agent for breast (51.2%; n = 21) and stomach cancer (24.6%; n = 10) treatment. About 90.2% of patients (n = 37) stated that they did not forget to take their medication and experienced medication-related side effects (78%; n = 32). The total score of MASES was increased after the education (66.39 vs. 71.04, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS It was shown that individual education with the MOATT and follow-up for patients receiving oral agents for cancer treatment increased patient medication adherence self-efficacy.