The medication information needs of patients with cancer have been primarily studied using quantitative methods and little qualitative research on this topic exists. The purpose of this study was to explore patients' perspectives of optimal oncology medication education provided to patients at the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA). Adult (≥ 18 years) outpatients in medical, gynecological and hematology oncology at NSHA were invited to participate in focus groups, which were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed thematically. Three focus groups, including 21 outpatients, were conducted. Four major themes were identified: (1) preparing for what lies ahead consisted of: readiness to receive information, anxiety over the unknown, setting expectations and patients supporting one another; (2) bridging the information gaps was made up of gap in provision of patient education, gap in continuity of patient education, and gap in trustworthy information; (3) understanding the education needs of the patients was comprised of sources of information, education timing and setting, prioritizing information needs, and individuality; and (4) experience within the health care system encompassed: interactions with health care professionals, willingness to ask questions, patient satisfaction, and financial implications. This study identified previously unknown patient education needs and also supported ideas reported in the literature. This data will guide the strategies that will be used to optimize the delivery of oncology medication education at our facility and other health care institutions.

BackgroundTo optimize patient education, it is important to understand what healthcare professionals perceive to be ideal oncology medication education for patients to receive, and what they feel is their role and the role of others in its delivery. Education provided to patients is an important component of chemotherapy as it has been shown to benefit and positively impact patients who receive it. Educational interventions are often provided by multidisciplinary teams with the goal of improving patient care. However, few studies have explored the roles of healthcare professionals in delivering oncology medication education.

Background With the ever-increasing complexity of cancer treatments, oncology medication patient education is becoming a progressively important component of cancer care. Despite this, cancer patients frequently report that they receive inadequate information and feel that their education needs have not been met. Objective To explore patients' perspectives of optimal oncology medication education across Nova Scotia. Methods This was a descriptive survey of adult medical, hematological and gynaecological oncology outpatients receiving intravenous chemotherapy within the Nova Scotia Health Authority between January 26 and April 30, 2018. Results One hundred forty-two responses were included; 41% and 47% of respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their oncology medication education, respectively; 30% and 43% of respondents would like the opportunity to receive education or follow-up from a hospital pharmacist, respectively. Respondents with post-secondary education were found to have 2.82 higher odds of wanting to make an appointment for education with a hospital pharmacist. Conclusions Patients were generally satisfied with their oncology medication education despite the majority not receiving education from a hospital pharmacist. Patients with a higher level of formal education were more likely to want the opportunity to schedule an appointment for education with and/or receive follow-up from a hospital pharmacist. The oncology medication education participants received in the past appeared to align with their education preferences. Findings from this research can be used to optimize the limited time healthcare professionals have to provide meaningful and effective oncology medication patient education and improve patient-centered care.