About our work
This study finished in April 2005.
We looked at how keeping a diary can help patients manage the side effects that can cause problems in mouths while getting chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can cause all sorts of problems with the mouth.
It is important then to see if we can find ways of helping patients to look after their mouths properly. We looked at the side effects that chemotherapy can cause because it is mainly given in an out-patient setting. This means that people manage their side-effects at home between their chemotherapy cycles.
The research team wanted to find out if using a diary to assess their mouth, and if it can help them to manage their mouth side effects in a better way.
We used a diary because it is not always easy to remember what has happened between visits to the clinic. But it is important to speak with nurses and doctors about it so that the best care and advice can be given.
How did we carry out our work?
The research team asked patients to check their mouth for 14 days after chemotherapy was given and score the condition of their mouth using the diary. Then they were asked to follow a flow chart to guide their mouth care the following day. The patients then filled out two questionnaires, one before they start using the diary and one after they have completed the diary.
This information the allowed the research team to understand what the patient’s expectations were about joining the study and if they have found using the diary helpful in any way.
This project was carried out in two day chemotherapy areas. The project started at the beginning of August and 37 patients took part.
Who did we work with?
Members of the CCRC Mouth Care team are Project Lead - Anne Taylor, Morven Miller, Professor Nora Kearney. We also worked with Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary Hospital and Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.
Funding Organisation
This project was funded by the Scottish Executive, Health Department, Chief Scientist Office.
Publications
Miller, M. Taylor, A. Wells, M. Roe, L. Hagen S. Paterson G. Kearney N. (2006) Evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of an oral care diary by patients during chemotherapy. International Journal of Nursing Studies
Miller, M. Taylor, A. Wells, M. Roe, L. Hagen S, Parson, F. Newlands, L. Galbraith F. (2006) Health Professionals' views of the feasibility an acceptability of an oral care diary by patients during chemotherapy. European Journal of Oncology