Challenges in chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) management: A systematic review

Abstract

Purpose: To systematically evaluate evidence regarding the barriers and challenges associated with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Methods: The databases Pubmed, Ovid, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Wiley Online, and Web of Science were searched using the following keywords: challenges, prevention, CINV, chemotherapy and their corresponding alternative keywords. This review included all studies involving adult cancer patients receiving chemotherapy exclusively, the caretaker, and healthcare professionals handling cancer patients, without geographical restriction. The articles used were in English language and were original primary studies. The data extraction form was developed based on PRISMA guide. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. Results: From 1,170 related articles retrieved, 38 were included in this review of which 9 articles were from European countries while 7 were from the United States of America. All articles met the criterion of the JBI critical appraisal. The reviews indicated that the barriers and challenges reported in the management of CINV would include failure to adhere to the antiemetic guideline, misconception about CINV and its prevention, and nausea and delayed CINV. Conclusion: Interventions such as enhancing nausea and delayed vomiting control, raising awareness of antiemetic guidelines among healthcare professionals, and dispelling misconceptions need to be planned and implemented to overcome the barriers and challenges and improve the quality of CINV management.