Patients' experience of ambulatory self-administration of pamidronate in multiple myeloma

Cancer Nurs. 2005 Mar-Apr;28(2):158-65. doi: 10.1097/00002820-200503000-00011.

Abstract

The aim was to explore ambulatory self-administration of Pamidronate (Self-A-Pam) from a patient perspective in patients with multiple myeloma. Pamidronate is normally administered once a month as an intravenous infusion over 2 to 4 hours. Twenty-one patients were included, of whom 13 (6 women, 7 men) with a median age of 56 years (range 37-70) completed the educational program and subsequent ambulatory Self-A-Pam. An RN at the hospital initiated the Pamidronate therapy (90 mg). The patients then left hospital and later, on completion, they disconnected the infusion, either alone or with the assistance of a relative or significant other. Interviews were used to collect information about the experiences during the course of the Self-A-Pam. In total, 12 patients were interviewed after 3 doses of Self-A-Pam. One patient declined to participate in the interview. A qualitative analysis of the textual data was performed. Five main categories were identified: decision concerning Self-A-Pam, information and education, sources of practical help or support, effects of Self-A-Pam, and feelings and activities in relation to place (hospital, home, or public place). All 13 patients who started on Self-A-Pam went through 3 courses of Self-A-Pam during the study period. Many patients reported a gain in feelings of freedom/independence and time saving. However, some patients reported insufficient education and feelings of anxiety associated with the responsibility of handling the venous access device.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anxiety / etiology
  • Anxiety / prevention & control
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Decision Making
  • Diphosphonates / administration & dosage*
  • Family / psychology
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Home Infusion Therapy / adverse effects
  • Home Infusion Therapy / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma* / drug therapy
  • Multiple Myeloma* / psychology
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Pamidronate
  • Patient Education as Topic / organization & administration
  • Professional-Family Relations
  • Qualitative Research
  • Self Administration / adverse effects
  • Self Administration / psychology*
  • Social Support
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Sweden

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Diphosphonates
  • Pamidronate