Unplanned hospital presentations in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial to explore opportunities for improving supportive care

Nausea/vomiting management support may be one area warranting improvement, a frequent reason for unplanned presentations that are potentially preventable. Such support will be most beneficial during the first treatment cycle, when most unplanned presentations occurred. A high proportion of unplanned presentations did not result in hospital admission, indicating an opportunity to manage some of the side effects within primary care or outpatient settings, rather than utilizing emergency department services.