Abstract

Introduction: Barriers and challenges in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) management are essential and must be identified for stakeholders to achieve high-quality cancer care. Unfortunately, these components were not routinely addressed, and to date no systematic review has evaluated these aspects. This review aimed to systematically gather and appraise such evidence. Methods: Pubmed, Ovid, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Wiley Online, and Web of Science were searched using the following keywords: challenges, prevention, CINV, chemotherapy, and their alternative keywords’ equivalent. Studies involved adult cancer patients receiving chemotherapy exclusively, the caretaker, and healthcare professionals handling cancer patients were included. The studies must be in English language and original primary studies. Data extraction form was developed based on the 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, 37 articles were included in this review. The worldwide data were predominantly from European countries (9 articles) and United States of America (6 articles). Three qualitative study designs were included, and the rest of the included studies were mainly quantitative studies using questionnaires. All articles met the criterion of the JBI critical appraisal. Barriers and challenges particularly nausea and delayed CINV, failure to adhere to the antiemetic guideline, as well as misconception on CINV and its prevention were among the barriers and challenges reported in the management of CINV. Conclusion: Planning and implementing interventions to address the barriers and challenges identified may improve the quality of CINV management.

Keywords: Chemotherapy-induced nausea vomiting, Barriers, Challenges, Systematic review