Patient satisfaction survey on portable infusion pumps for colorectal cancer chemotherapy: hard-shelled or soft-shelled?

Abstract

Abstract Background Elastomeric infusion pumps are widely used in colorectal cancer chemotherapy. However, no studies have yet investigated patient preferences regarding different infusion pump types. Methods Twenty patients with unresectable colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy were initially treated with a portable hard-shelled continuous infusion pump, followed by a soft-shelled continuous infusion pump. The respondents used a numerical rating scale (0–10) to rate their comfort when using each pump, their ease of carrying it, the pump size and shape, its weight, their ease of reading its memory, and their overall satisfaction with it. They were then asked which pump they would ultimately prefer. Results In terms of comfort, significantly higher user satisfaction was reported for the soft-shelled pump during the daytime and when going out (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). For pump portability, size, shape, and weight, the soft-shelled type also outperformed the hard-shelled one (P < 0.001, P = 0.0011, P < 0.001). However, the hard-shelled pump scored significantly better in terms of ease of viewing memory (P < 0.001). Overall satisfaction was significantly higher for the soft-shelled pump than the hard-shelled type (p = 0.0095). Finally, 13 patients (65%) indicated that they would prefer a soft-shelled pump for their next treatment, while only one patient (5%) preferred a hard-shelled alternative. A preference for soft-shelled pump was observed, particularly in female patients and those with body mass index of < 22 kg/m2. Conclusion Selection portable elastomeric infusion pumps that consider the preferences of patients with colorectal cancer may help improve their quality of life.