Education Effect on Comfort and Anxiety in 5-FU Elastomeric Pump Therapy

Cancer treatment often requires chemotherapy, which can be administered through portable devices called elastomeric pumps. These pumps allow medications such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to be delivered continuously over an extended period while patients remain at home rather than staying in the hospital. Although this treatment approach offers greater convenience and independence, patients may experience anxiety and uncertainty related to pump use, treatment side effects, and self-care responsibilities. This study aims to determine whether providing structured education about elastomeric pump use and 5-FU treatment can improve patients' comfort and reduce anxiety. Participants receiving 5-FU chemotherapy through an elastomeric pump will be assigned to either an education group or a standard care group. Patients in the education group will receive additional training from the researcher using educational materials and a patient information booklet. The training will include information about safe pump use, management of treatment-related symptoms, precautions to take during treatment, and what to do if problems occur. Patients in the standard care group will continue to receive the routine information and care normally provided by the oncology clinic. Participants will complete questionnaires that measure comfort and anxiety before the study begins and again one month later. The results will help determine whether structured patient education improves the experience of individuals receiving outpatient chemotherapy through elastomeric pumps. The findings may help healthcare professionals develop more effective educational programs and supportive care strategies for patients receiving home-based chemotherapy.