Authors (including presenting author) :
So HC, Lui SF, Lam PY, Wong MC
Affiliation :
Department of Clinical Oncology, Tuen Mun Hospital
Introduction :
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in cancer patients. Cancer patients are prone to have a higher risk of developing VTE. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) ,Tinzaparin, is commonly used. Patients need to have daily injection in out-patient setting or Community Nurse Service is required. Since 2015, the Tinzaparin Injection Education Program has been implemented in the Department of Clinical Oncology of Tuen Mun Hospital to empower the cancer patients with VTE and their carers to cope with the life-long injection.
Objectives :
To provide a combination of knowledge and skills to the patients and their carers regarding their disease and condition so that they can have the ability to safely perform Tinzaparin injection in a home setting.
Methodology :
1. Trained nurses deliver the program should with at least 2 years clinical experience. Nurse coordinator reviews the overall program result regularly.
2. The selected participants for this program should be physically and mentally fit for self-injection and educated for self-injection by the eligible nursing staff. The indications and side-effects of Tinzaparin, related patient assessment, subcutaneous injection technique and disposal method of the needles should be introduced to the participants clearly. An information sheet will be provided to them as reference.
3. Only participants who passed the return-demonstration are permitted to do the self-injection at home. The nurse coordinator will make a follow-up phone call within 48 hours. The participants are encouraged to report back to nursing staff via phone if there are signs of bleeding or inflammation.
Result & Outcome :
1. Total 37 cases involved in pass 5 years.
2. Approximate 92% of the cases (34 out of 37) have passed the return-demonstration.
3. 100% of the passed cases (34 out of 34) reported that the injection at home was uneventful in the follow-up phone call after discharged.
4. 100% of the passed cases (34 out of 34) had positive feedbacks with the Tinzaparin Injection Education Program.
CONCLUSION
It is important for the nurses to being proactive to assess the patients’ needs and initiate the Tinzaparin Injection Education Program in ward. By engaging the program, the patients’ discharge issue is facilitated. Patients are empowered to take care themselves and motivated to take responsibility of their chronic disease, with knowledge enhanced resulting in greater patient satisfaction and better quality of life.
