Oral Chemotherapy Program Metrics: Results of a National Survey

BACKGROUND: The use of oral chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer continues to increase. In response, many hematology/oncology practices have developed comprehensive oral chemotherapy programs to optimize the management and ensure the safe use of these therapies. OBJECTIVE: To identify the key components to use for the development of standard metrics to define the impact of oral chemotherapy programs. METHODS: In October 2018, the Oral Chemotherapy Working Group of the Vizient Cancer Care Committee conducted an online survey of Vizient member institutions regarding their current oral chemotherapy practices. The survey was sent to all Vizient member institutions. The respondents were asked if they were collecting specific predefined oral chemotherapy management program metrics on safety, effectiveness, adherence, financial outcomes, and value. The respondents were also asked to rate the various outcomes on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being highest) for their importance and value and the feasibility of collecting the outcome. RESULTS: A total of 40 responses representing 38 different institutions were received. In all, 71% of those institutions had an established oral chemotherapy management program. Safety (58%) and adherence (58%) were the domains that most respondents reported collecting, followed by financial outcomes (53%), effectiveness (45%), and value (35%) metrics. CONCLUSION: A clear need is evident for the establishment and dissemination of best practices regarding oral chemotherapy monitoring program--related metrics to bring clarity and consistency to these programs and to further enhance the quality and safety of patient care.