Ototoxicity monitoring in South African cancer facilities: A national survey
South African Journal of Communication Disorders
| Field | Value | |
| Title | Ototoxicity monitoring in South African cancer facilities: A national survey | |
| Creator | Ehlert, Katerina Heinze, Barbara Swanepoel, De Wet | |
| Description | Background: National information regarding ototoxicity monitoring practices are limited for patients undergoing chemotherapy in South Africa.Objectives: To determine (1) the national status of ototoxicity monitoring implemented in private and public cancer facilities, (2) the knowledge and ototoxicity monitoring approaches implemented, and (3) reported challenges.Method: A descriptive quantitative survey was conducted in public and private oncology units and audiology referral clinics. Private (60%) and public (43%) oncology units that provide platinum-based chemotherapy in South Africa and audiology referral units (54%) were: (1) surveyed telephonically to determine if ototoxicity monitoring takes place; and (2) a self-administered survey was sent to qualifying oncology units and audiology referral clinics.Results: All public oncology units reported that ototoxicity monitoring only occurs on referral and is not standard practice. All private oncology units indicated that monitoring is on a patient self-referral basis when symptoms occur. Poor awareness of ototoxicity monitoring best practice guidelines was reported by all oncology units and 14% of audiology referral clinics. Audiology referral clinics reported adequate knowledge of ototoxicity protocols although they are not widely used with only 43% following best practice guidelines. The most prominent challenges reported by participants was referral system (67% oncology units; 57% audiology referral clinics), environmental noise (83% oncology units; 86% audiology referral clinics) and the compromised status of cancer patients (67% oncology units; 57% audiology referral clinics).Conclusion: Ototoxicity monitoring is not routinely implemented across oncology units in South Africa. Multidisciplinary teamwork and a simplified national ototoxicity monitoring protocol may improve hearing outcomes for patients. | |
| Publisher | AOSIS | |
| Date | 2022-01-19 | |
| Identifier | 10.4102/sajcd.v69i1.846 | |
| Source | South African Journal of Communication Disorders; Vol 69, No 1 (2022); 10 pages 2225-4765 0379-8046 | |
| Language | eng | |
| Relation |
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https://sajcd.org.za/index.php/sajcd/article/view/846/1622
https://sajcd.org.za/index.php/sajcd/article/view/846/1623
https://sajcd.org.za/index.php/sajcd/article/view/846/1624
https://sajcd.org.za/index.php/sajcd/article/view/846/1626
https://sajcd.org.za/index.php/sajcd/article/view/846/1625
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