Wood LS, Hoffner B, Rubin K, Davies MJ, Tushla LA, Guild V, Guild SR.
Background
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have changed treatment options for many cancer patients. Educating HCPs, patients, caregivers is crucial to early identification of irAEs, ensuring prompt intervention and improved outcomes. Resources for oncology HCPs are scattered, including published articles, websites, and pharmaceutical materials. These resources are restricted to information from the package insert and limited in the scope of guidance provided.
Methods
Melanoma advance practice providers (APPs) collaborated with the AIM at Melanoma Foundation and Terranova Medica in 2016 to create the Melanoma Nurse Initiative, featuring educational information regarding immunotherapy and irAE management. Based on website success (>9200 professional interactions), learner survey data, and continued expansion of agents and indications, the need for a more expansive resource was identified.
Results
AIM With Immunotherapy (www.aimwithimmunotherapy.org/) launched in October 2018. Resources were developed by APPs with extensive experience with immunotherapy, education, and irAE management. Care Step Pathways provide comprehensive information on assessment, toxicity grading, and management. The HCP Toolkits include printable pages on drug information, side effect management, clinical pearls, and resources. Patient Action Plans, individualizable for each patient, include many detailed irAE information sheets. Videos for both HCPs and patients as well as a community Q/A panel provide additional multimedia, interactive resources. Learner surveys are planned to gauge how the content is used in the clinic setting and remaining unmet educational needs.
Conclusions
Knowledge regarding immunotherapy, irAEs, and management of toxicities unique to immunotherapy is critical to maximizing clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients and their caregivers. AIM With Immunotherapy is a new website developed by expert oncology practitioners that provides comprehensive non-branded HCP resources and printable information to facilitate effective education of patients receiving immunotherapy.
Rubin RM.2017. Advances in melanoma. Clin J Oncol Nurs21(4s):7-10.