Medication Safety Management of Cancer Patients' Participation in Intravenous Anticancer Therapy Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior: A qualitative study

Objective

This qualitative study investigated the current status and influencing factors of cancer patients' participation in intravenous anticancer therapy medication safety from the perspective of healthcare professionals.

Methods

Using purposeful sampling, 19 physicians and nurses from a tertiary hospital were selected for semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed based on the Theory of Planned Behavior framework across four dimensions: behavioral attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intentions.

Results

The study found that patient participation in medication safety management has dual effects: its positive significance lies in promoting clinician–patient trust, improving adherence, and establishing a "dual verification" mechanism; however, excessive intervention may lead to increased burden on healthcare professionals, communication barriers, and patient anxiety. Key factors influencing patient participation include the following: (1) structural factors (policy support, hospital systems, resource allocation); (2) professional competence and communication efficiency of healthcare professionals; (3) family support, economic conditions, and patient education level; (4) patient health status and psychological state. Furthermore, educational disparities lead to unequal participation, with patients having lower literacy levels and elderly patients facing greater challenges.

Conclusions

Recommendations include optimizing standardized communication processes, developing simplified educational tools, strengthening the supportive role of family members, introducing psychological interventions, and improving medical insurance policies and hospital management systems to establish a collaborative "patient–family–healthcare professional" management model. Future research should expand to multi-center studies and integrate quantitative data to validate the findings. This study provides theoretical and practical foundations for enhancing patient-centered medication safety in intravenous anticancer therapy.