AIMS
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) produces sensory dysfunction and functional disability, but there remains no effective prevention or treatment. The aim of this project is to understand how best to improve screening and clinical management of CIPN in routine practice in Australia.
METHODS
The project will conduct a national survey of current CIPN screening practices to examine the feasibility of implementing a CIPN clinical pathway developed to guide best-practice in CIPN assessment and management. Clinicians (including oncologists, nurses, allied health professionals) involved in care of cancer patients treated will be invited to complete an anonymous survey. The survey will be informed by an in-depth exploration of barriers and enables identified at 4 sites, and also assess the feasibility of co-designed strategies to support implementation.
RESULTS
The online survey will investigate barriers and facilitators to implementing best-practice CIPN assessment and management across different disciplines and settings in Australia. The survey will also address education and resources needed to implement best practice CIPN management, perceived burden of this program and perception of need. The survey will recruit up to 500 clinical staff across multiple states, regional areas and centres.
CONCLUSIONS
This project aims to identify the pathway for successful implementation of personalised CIPN management in routine care. Altogether, this will lead to improving health care outcomes for cancer patients in Australia.