Overview
The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a technology-based intervention for managing nausea and vomiting in older adults with cancer. Participants will be randomized to either an intervention or control group. Outcomes such as symptom severity, quality of life, and resource use will be examined.
Description
The goal of this study is to increase the use of preventative self-management behaviors for nausea and vomiting in older adults receiving chemotherapy to reduce negative outcomes and emergency or hospital admissions. Early reinforcement of standard education and re-framing any preconceived beliefs about the ability of nausea and vomiting to be managed will increase preventative self-management behaviors and improve patient outcomes. Participants will be in the study for 6 chemotherapy treatment cycles. This could be 12 to 24 weeks depending on if they receive treatment every 2, 3 or 4 weeks.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- age 60 or older
- newly diagnosed with cancer
- treatment with any chemotherapeutic agent of moderate or high emetic potential
- on a 2, 3 or 4 week treatment cycle
- proficient in English
- has a telephone
Exclusion Criteria:
- previous diagnosis and/or treatment for cancer
- end stage disease with less than 6 months to live
- visually or hearing impaired without corrective device