Effects of Patient Education and Self-Management in Cancer Patients Who Experience Chemotherapy-Induced Taste Alterations

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to improve understanding and management of taste changes caused by chemotherapy in adult cancer patients. It evaluates whether adding a nurse-led, detailed taste alteration assessment and education helps patients detect and manage these taste changes better than usual care. The study includes a diverse group of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, focusing on taste alteration symptoms, patient actions, and dietary intake. Participants receive care based on their clinic's assignment: usual care or an intervention with nurse-led self-assessment and self-management of taste alterations. The intervention uses a validated taste assessment tool (Chemotherapy-induced Taste Alterations Scale) and patient education materials to help manage symptoms. Usual care includes standard chemotherapy education and a simple taste alteration severity question. Data collection occurs before chemotherapy starts, through the first four chemotherapy cycles, and continues for six months. Participants complete baseline assessments and patient education, report taste alteration symptoms during chemotherapy visits, and work with nurse coaches. The study tracks taste alteration severity, patient interventions, dietary intake, and body mass index over six months. Data collection and patient support continue throughout the chemotherapy cycles and follow-up period to assess the intervention's impact on symptom management and nutrition.

Taste Alterations Study