ABSTRACT
Background: In December 2020, thanks to the collaboration among the U.O.C. Oncologia, Roche Italia, and our Association, was set up a project for the domiciliation of antiblastic treatment titled “HER Home”, at the ASP 7 Ragusa in Sicily. The project involving patients with HER2 positive breast cancer concerns treatment at home with subcutaneous antiblastic therapy. Aims include the enhancement of patients' quality of life reducing the need for travel and visits to the hospital and making them more comfortable to receive the therapy. During the current pandemic situation, this means a greater safety for patients who are fragile subjects and may be more exposed to the risk of infection;and, also, the improvement in organizational efficiency. Materials and methods: Admission of patients takes place according to the evaluation of the Medical Oncologists who establish the schedule of treatments and prescribe the drug. The drug is prepared and dispensed by the hospital pharmacy. Our Association, already active for home palliative care, deals with the transport of the drug from the hospital pharmacy to the patients' home, where our Doctor, after a clinical evaluation of the patient, administers the drug. The project foresees the participation of 20 women and about 240 administrations. Quality of life will be assessed at baseline and every 4 administrations, using patient's self-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Results: To date, have been assisted 4 patients and carried out 13 administrations. No adverse events have occurred and no organizational criticalities were recorded. All administrations were performed safely, within the foreseen times and methods. Conclusions: The project has allowed the patients involved to have more free time since there are no needs for transfers and waiting times in the Day Hospital and so allowing them don't change the course of their daily routine;we, also, expect a measurable improvement in the quality of life. For the regional health system, this project achieved a simplification of the pathways and a reduction in the crowding of the Hospital, both essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the economic point of view, the project reduced costs and resources applied for about 30% less. The potential shown by this preliminary project could be fully realized in the evaluation of the possibility of home administration of other antiblastic therapies favoring above all the patients who lead a very active working and family life.