Ototoxicity monitoring in South African cancer facilities : a national survey

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Authors

Ehlert, Katerina
Heinze, Barbara M.
Swanepoel, De Wet

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AOSIS

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.

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Keywords

Ototoxicity, Ototoxicity monitoring, Ototoxicity monitoring protocols, Cancer, Oncology, Hearing loss, Chemotherapy, Platinum-based compounds

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Citation

Ehlert, K., Heinze, B., & Swanepoel, D.W. (2022). Ototoxicity monitoring in South African cancer facilities: A national survey. South African Journal of Communication Disorders, 69(1), a846. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajcd.v69i1.846.