Patient Education Is Key to Improve Patient Adherence to Cancer Treatment

Keeping patients informed and educated is key to helping them achieve treatment adherence, says a registered nurse.

Jessie Desir, PhD, RN, AMB-BC, OCN, spoke with Oncology Nursing News about how providers can aid in treatment adherence among patients with breast cancer, regardless of the subtype of disease. She noted that giving patients the knowledge to understand their treatment will better facilitate adherence to improve outcomes.

As treatment options expand for HER2-positive and HER2-low breast cancer, nurses and advanced practice providers (APPs) play a key role in educating patients about available therapies. Providing clear information about treatment options can support patient adherence, which is essential for optimal outcomes, according to Desir.

A focus on adherence, rather than compliance (which can carry negative connotations), reflects a patient-centered approach to care. By ensuring that patients understand the purpose and potential benefits of their treatment, healthcare providers can help facilitate informed decision-making and long-term treatment engagement.

With ongoing advancements in HER2-targeted therapies, nurses and APPs serve as important resources for patients, helping them navigate their treatment journey with knowledge and confidence.

Additionally, nurses and APPs are well-positioned to assess and address barriers to adherence. By offering ongoing support and providing explanations of new treatments to patients, they can help patients stay engaged in care plans.

Transcript

The role that nurses and APPs play as we're coming off the heels of treatment for HER2 [breast cancer]-whether [it be for] HER2-low or HER2-positive [disease]-is really educating the patients on what is available, as far as treatment, and educating them. [This] will empower compliance with the treatment. The more that the patient understands their treatment, the more successful they will be with adherence.

We’re coming away from the word compliance. Compliance does have that negative connotation, so adherence. And we really would like that patient to understand new therapies, really for these specific subtypes of breast cancer, for adherence of treatment and better patient outcomes.

This transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.