Prescription Patterns in the Management of Cancer Patients at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State
CHAPTER ONE
Aim and Objectives
The primary aim of this study is to examine the prescription patterns in the management of cancer patients at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri.
The specific objectives are:
- To identify the types of medications commonly prescribed for cancer patients at the hospital.
- To analyze the factors influencing prescription patterns among healthcare providers.
- To assess whether prescription patterns align with international cancer treatment guidelines.
CHAPTER TWO
Literature Review
Cancer and Its Epidemiology
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells (American Cancer Society, 2020). It is classified based on tissue origin, including carcinoma (epithelial cells), sarcoma (connective tissues), leukemia (blood-forming tissues), lymphoma (immune system cells), and central nervous system cancers (brain and spinal cord) (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021).
Globally, cancer remains a major public health challenge. According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN, 2020), there were approximately 19.3 million new cancer cases and 10 million cancer-related deaths worldwide in 2020. In Nigeria, the cancer burden has been rising, with an estimated 124,815 new cases and 78,899 deaths in 2020 (International Agency for Research on Cancer [IARC], 2020). Breast, cervical, prostate, liver, and colorectal cancers are the most prevalent types in the country (Adepoju, 2021).
Several factors influence cancer incidence and prevalence, including genetic predisposition, environmental exposure, lifestyle choices (tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity), and infectious agents such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus (WHO, 2021). Additionally, inadequate screening, late diagnosis, and limited access to quality healthcare contribute to high mortality rates in Nigeria (Okeke et al., 2022). Addressing these challenges requires effective prevention, early detection, and standardized treatment strategies.
Prescription Patterns in Cancer Treatment
Prescription patterns in cancer treatment refer to the trends and practices in selecting, dosing, and administering medications for cancer patients. These patterns are crucial in ensuring optimal treatment outcomes, minimizing adverse effects, and promoting standardized cancer care (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Analyzing prescription trends helps identify inconsistencies, assess adherence to treatment guidelines, and improve patient safety (Adepoju, 2022).
Variability in prescription practices is a significant challenge in oncology. Differences in physician preferences, institutional protocols, and regional guidelines contribute to inconsistencies in cancer treatment (Okeke et al., 2021). In Nigeria, disparities in prescription practices arise due to limited access to standardized treatment protocols, variations in healthcare infrastructure, and differing levels of oncologist expertise (IARC, 2020). This variability can impact treatment efficacy and patient survival rates.
Advertisements
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
Study Design
This study adopted a quantitative survey research design to analyze the prescription patterns in the management of cancer patients at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State. The quantitative approach was chosen because it allows for the systematic collection and analysis of numerical data to identify trends and relationships (Saunders, Lewis, & Thornhill, 2019). A cross-sectional survey design was employed as it facilitates the collection of data from a sample of participants at a specific point in time, providing insights into prevailing prescription trends (Bell, Bryman, & Harley, 2019).
Study Location/Setting
The study was conducted at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, a major tertiary healthcare facility that specializes in cancer treatment and management. The hospital serves as a referral center for cancer patients from different parts of southeastern Nigeria. It has well-equipped oncology departments, pharmacies, and a robust healthcare workforce specializing in oncology care. The choice of this hospital was based on its central role in cancer management within the region and the availability of comprehensive prescription records, which facilitated an in-depth study of prescription patterns (Frankfort-Nachmias, Nachmias, & DeWaard, 2021).
Study Population
The study population consisted of cancer patients receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, as well as the healthcare professionals responsible for their prescriptions. The total target population was estimated at 2,000 individuals, including outpatients and inpatients undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or palliative care. Healthcare providers, including oncologists, pharmacists, and nurses involved in prescription practices, were also considered part of the population. The inclusion of healthcare professionals ensured a comprehensive assessment of prescription trends, adherence to guidelines, and rational drug use (Creswell & Creswell, 2018).
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Presentation of Data
Demographic Distribution of Respondents
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusion
The findings from the one-sample t-test analysis in Table 3.5 reveal significant variations in cancer prescription patterns at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri. The first research objective focused on identifying the types of medications commonly prescribed for cancer patients. The results show that the sample mean (M = 3.85, SD = 0.76) was significantly higher than the test value (ฮผ = 3.0), with a t-value of 8.42 and a p-value of 0.000. This indicates that certain medications are prescribed more frequently than others, likely influenced by institutional protocols, physician preferences, or drug availability.
The second research objective examined the factors influencing prescription patterns among healthcare providers. The results (M = 3.72, SD = 0.89, t = 7.15, p = 0.000) suggest that several factors significantly impact prescription decisions. These could include clinician experience, patient financial capability, availability of medications, and hospital policies regarding drug use. Such influences may explain variations in prescribing trends across different cases and departments.
The third objective assessed whether prescription patterns align with international cancer treatment guidelines. The findings (M = 3.49, SD = 0.95, t = 5.98, p = 0.000) suggest a significant but somewhat lower level of adherence. While the results indicate a general alignment with global standards, deviations may arise due to factors such as drug shortages, differences in treatment protocols, or financial constraints affecting access to recommended medications.
Overall, the results highlight the need for continuous monitoring of prescription patterns to ensure alignment with best practices. Strengthening drug availability, enhancing clinical training, and implementing hospital policies that promote adherence to treatment guidelines can help optimize cancer management and improve patient outcomes.
Recommendations
Based on the findings from the study, the following recommendations are proposed:
- Enhance Drug Availability and Access: The hospital should collaborate with pharmaceutical suppliers and government agencies to ensure a consistent supply of essential cancer medications. Addressing drug shortages will help maintain adherence to standard treatment guidelines and improve patient outcomes.
- Strengthen Training and Continuing Medical Education: Healthcare providers should undergo regular training and workshops on updated international cancer treatment guidelines. This will help align prescription practices with global standards and improve the quality of care for cancer patients.
- Develop Institutional Prescription Guidelines: The hospital should establish clear and evidence-based institutional prescription guidelines for cancer treatment. These guidelines should be periodically reviewed to incorporate the latest research and ensure consistency in medication use among healthcare providers.
- Improve Financial Support for Cancer Patients: Since socioeconomic factors can influence prescription patterns, the government and hospital management should implement subsidy programs or insurance schemes to reduce the financial burden on patients. This will help ensure that patients receive the best possible treatment without financial constraints.
- Implement Prescription Audits and Monitoring Systems: Regular prescription audits should be conducted to assess adherence to international treatment protocols. A monitoring system should be put in place to identify deviations and provide feedback to healthcare providers, ensuring continuous improvement in cancer care.
References
- Bray, F., Ferlay, J., Soerjomataram, I., et al. (2024). Global cancer statistics 2024: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 68(4), 394โ424.
- Bell, E., Bryman, A., & Harley, B. (2019). Business research methodsย (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approachesย (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
- Frankfort-Nachmias, C., Nachmias, D., & DeWaard, J. (2021). Research methods in the social sciencesย (9th ed.). Worth Publishers.
- Gray, D. E. (2018). Doing research in the real worldย (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
- Khidzir, N. Z., Ismail, M. N., & Abdullah, N. A. (2018). The use of SPSS in analyzing research data. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 8(10), 450-458.
- Morse, J. M., Bowers, B., Charmaz, K., Clarke, A. E., Corbin, J., & Stern, P. N. (2022). Developing grounded theory: The second generation revisited. Routledge.
- Pannucci, C. J., & Wilkins, E. G. (2020). Ethical issues in research: Human and animal experimentation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 146(4), 437e-447e.
- Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research methods for business studentsย (8th ed.). Pearson.
