Abstract:
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.
