Oral Chemotherapy Laboratory Monitoring and Follow-Up: A Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: There are many inefficiencies related to oral chemotherapy (OC) laboratory monitoring and follow-up in the ambulatory clinic setting. Patients with cancer prescribed OC have a higher risk of adverse events when there is inconsistent laboratory test result reporting and follow-up from their oncology provider.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to improve OC laboratory monitoring by identifying potential barriers and opportunities for reliable communication between patients and providers in the outpatient clinical setting.

METHODS: A literature review found 76 articles, of which 15 were selected for review. Six themes were synthesized and discussed.

FINDINGS: Healthcare systems use technology, standard pathways, and clear patient-provider communication following laboratory testing to ensure patient safety. Implementing and testing evidence-based solutions and structured frameworks to identify gaps in outpatient laboratory monitoring and follow-up can improve patient satisfaction and safety during OC treatment.