This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of a structured educational intervention on comfort and anxiety levels among cancer patients receiving 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy through elastomeric pumps in an outpatient setting.
The increasing use of elastomeric pumps has enabled the administration of continuous chemotherapy infusions at home, reducing hospitalization and improving treatment convenience. However, patients may experience anxiety and reduced comfort due to insufficient knowledge regarding pump management, treatment-related side effects, and self-care requirements. Providing standardized education may improve patients' understanding of treatment, enhance self-management, and promote psychological well-being.
Eligible participants receiving 5-FU chemotherapy via elastomeric pump will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Participants in the intervention group will receive a structured education program delivered by the researcher using evidence-based educational materials and a patient information booklet specifically prepared for elastomeric pump management. The educational content will include information on pump use, safety precautions, potential complications, symptom management, and appropriate actions in case of treatment-related problems. Participants in the control group will continue to receive routine care and standard education provided by the outpatient oncology clinic.
Data will be collected at baseline and one month after the intervention. Comfort and anxiety levels will be evaluated using validated measurement tools. Changes in outcomes over time and differences between groups will be examined to determine the effectiveness of the educational intervention.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to oncology nursing practice by providing evidence regarding the role of patient education in improving comfort and reducing anxiety among patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy through elastomeric pumps.