Arifa Aziz, Samrina Imran
Background: In developing countries chemotherapy and their administration cost is the major issue which is addressed by introducing chemotherapy infusion pumps, started for the first time in oncology day care at Aga khan university hospital Karachi Pakistan in the year 2012.Chemotherapy which was studied for this purpose was 5-Florouracil given through 46 or 96 hours infusion pumps implemented in the following regimes:
FOLFOX: Folinic Acid+5-Florouracil+Oxaliplatin
FOLFIRI: Folinic Acid+ 5-Florouracil+Irinotecan
FOLFIRINOX: Folinic Acid +5-Florouracil+Irinotecan+Oxaliplatin
DCF: Docetaxel+Cisplatin+5-Florouracil
The above mentioned Chemotherapy regimens are mostly used in gastrointestinal cancers such as colorectal, gastric and pancreatic cancers.
Methodology: A comparative study is done on cost difference and patients satisfaction, by developing survey forms and 3 months data of patients was gathered who were admitted for three to four days in ward to receive chemotherapy and compared with those who were admitted in oncology day care for six to eight hours for the same treatment.
Results: Results turned up as remarkable cost reduction, increased convenience, more compliance and hence overall great patient’s satisfaction.
Conclusion: It is concluded that chemotherapy administration in oncology day care for gastrointestinal cancers after introduction of elastomeric portable infusion pumps for 46 or 96 hours of 5-FU not only increased patient’s satisfaction with less financial burden but also enabled patients to perform normal routine activities of life.
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