Resource utilisation and time commitment associated with correction of anaemia in cancer patients using epoetin alfa.

OBJECTIVE: This study set out to identify the resource use and time commitment associated with treatment of anaemia with erythropoietic therapy, for both haematology/oncology clinics and patients.
METHODS: The study was carried out at three haematology/oncology clinics in the US, and included 124 cancer patients with anaemia. Stages in the administration of epoetin alfa were identified (preparation, injection and documentation). At each site a trained researcher observed medical staff and recorded the time taken for each stage, in minutes, using a stopwatch. The supplies used for each stage were also recorded. Travel times, waiting times and demographics for patients and caregivers attending the clinic were obtained from self-report questionnaires during the clinic visit. In total, 177 injections of epoetin alfa were administered. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Total mean time clinic staff and patients spent on treatment visits.
RESULTS: The total mean time expended by clinic staff for each injection, including preparation, administration, documentation and phlebotomy, was 25.5 minutes (range 18.6-31.2 at individual centres). The total mean time requirement for patients (time spent travelling to and from the clinic, time spent waiting for the epoetin alfa injection) was 83 minutes.
CONCLUSION: Treatments that may reduce the time burden of anaemia management should be considered.