Abstract
Background) Cancer chemotherapy has been shifted from in-patient therapy to out-patient therapy. The outpatient unit for cancer chemotherapy was opened at July 2002 at our hospital. This study was conducted to evaluate the results and problems of our unit. Methods and Results) The monthly numbers of patients treated at our unit were 132 case at the beginning, 227 cases at April 2003, 270 cases at December 2002. The total number was 3, 726 cases with 9-26 new cases in a month. The dairy number increased from 9.4 at the beginning to 22.5 cases at December 2003, with a maximum number of 37 cases. The largest number of cases was recruited from Department of Surgery followed by Gynecology, Gastroenterology, Hematology, and Thoracic Oncology. Infusion therapy was most frequently applied for patients with a number of 3, 298 cases, followed by intraarterial infusion, centrovenous catheter route, and iv bolus injection. One case of extra-vasation was observed and managed correctly to obtain good healing. Patients showing grade 3 toxicity were treated by emergency administration. Opinionaires for patients disclosed deep satisfaction with the treatment environment. The present problems for management were a lack of information on previous in-patient treatments and an insufficient education system for assistant nurses. Out-patient unit for cancer chemotherapy secured safety and comfort for chemotherapy. Enhanced information exchange and education are mandatory for further improvement.
