[Representation of infectious risk in patients with multiple myeloma: A multicentric prospective study aimed at adapting the role of advanced practice nurses].

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is a haematologic malignancy of the bone marrow with an increasing incidence, primarily affecting an elderly and frail population. It benefits from innovative treatments that have been shown to extend patient survival. However, 2% of patients die from infections during the first year of treatment, despite the availability of prophylactic treatments. Thanks to their new skills, advanced practice nurses could play a new role in this care. We conducted a prospective quantitative multicenter study in three French hospitals. Over a two-month period, questionnaires were administered to patients with multiple myeloma in the first year of treatment, followed up in three hospitals. The questionnaire consisted of open and closed questions on the themes of infectious risk, antibiotic prophylaxis and vaccination. A total of 60 participants completed the questionnaire. The results show a lack of knowledge on the part of patients of the risk of infection, the symptoms that need to be reported, and the absence of a specific pathway for effective management. There was also a lack of awareness of the names of recommended prophylactic treatments and their usefulness. Finally, the vaccination strategy is generally appropriate, except for pneumococcal vaccination, which is less systematically applied. This study provides valuable insights into the role that APN could play in therapeutic education, in particular by improving patients' knowledge of therapies, monitoring vaccinations, coordinating care pathways and acting as a resource for patients and the healthcare team.