Baseline evaluation of the AIM Higher Initiative: establishing the mark from which to measure.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To collect baseline measurements before the implementation of interventions associated with the AIM (Assessment Information Management) Higher Initiative--a quality improvement program intended to improve symptom assessment, management, and information distribution for five chemotherapy-related symptom groups: anemia, neutropenia, diarrhea and constipation, nausea and vomiting, and depression and anxiety. DESIGN Subject telephone interviews and chart reviews. SETTING 15 community oncology clinics in the United States. SAMPLE 376 adult patients with cancer who visited a healthcare provider before the start of a chemotherapy cycle; patients were enrolled in the study after the initiation of chemotherapy, with at least one chemotherapy cycle remaining. METHODS Subject interviews and chart reviews to determine the frequency, assessment, and management of and information about target symptoms. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES The frequency of target chemotherapy-related symptoms and occurrence of symptom-specific assessment, information provided, and management. FINDINGS The five target symptoms had occurred in a considerable proportion of patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy during their most recent chemotherapy cycles. At a substantial number of clinic visits, no documentation of cancer-related symptom assessment, information distribution, or management occurred. CONCLUSIONS Chemotherapy-related symptoms occur frequently but often are not assessed, managed, or handled with appropriate patient information. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Findings in the baseline evaluation illustrate the need to improve supportive care--a key responsibility of oncology nurses.