Perceptions of oncologists at two state hospitals in Gauteng regarding the ototoxic effects of cancer chemotherapy: a pilot study.

Abstract

This project sought to obtain information regarding the perceptions of oncologists with regards to the ototoxic effects of cancer chemotherapy. Ten oncologists from 2 public hospitals in Gauteng participated in this project. Data were collected from self-administered questionnaires completed by participants. Using a qualitative and quantitative paradigm, data analysis utilized content analysis and descriptive statistics. Only 50% of the participants reported referring patients for audiological management during the chemotherapeutic process. None of the respondents reported having protocols in place for ototoxicity monitoring. Therefore, it appears as though ototoxicity and the role of the audiologist are not fully realized within the sample in the current study. Furthermore, it would seem as though oncologists need to be aware of ototoxicity; the role of the audiologist; and the need to include an audiologist in the oncology team. Results from the current study highlight the need for establishment and implementation of protocols and ototoxicity monitoring programmes in government hospitals in Gauteng.   Key words: South Africa, cancer, chemotherapy, ototoxicity, sensory neural hearing loss.