Exploring healthcare professionals’ experiences and perceptions of self-management of cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer survivors: a qualitative study

Objective: Advancements in cancer treatments have significantly improved survival rates for breast cancer (BC) patients; however, these treatments are often accompanied by severe adverse effects, such as cardiotoxicity. Effective patient-centred self-management plays a critical role in the early detection of cardiotoxic symptoms and in enhancing BC survivors’ overall quality of life. To support this process, education and ongoing support from healthcare professionals is essential. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals’ experiences and perspectives in facilitating BC survivors’ self-management of cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicity. Methods: This study employed a fundamental qualitative descriptive approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals from a BC department in Guangzhou, China. Audio recordings were transcribed and analysed using NVivo 12 software. Thematic analysis was also conducted. Findings: Thirteen participants – including doctors, nurses, and a case manager – were recruited. The participants’ working experience ranged from two to 30 years. Three themes and six subthemes were identified: (1) healthcare professionals’ understanding of cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicity and the importance of patients’ self-management of its symptoms; (2) strategies for supporting self-management; and (3) barriers and challenges to effective self-management, such as inefficient communication, low patient adherence, inadequate cross-departmental collaboration, and an outdated clinical system. Many of the participants relied more on pharmacological interventions than on empowering patients’ self-management skills. Conclusions: Despite healthcare professionals recognising the value of patients’ self-management of symptoms, multiple barriers hinder its implementation. Participants highlighted the need for more accessible, structured patient education approaches, as well as improvements to clinical information systems to better support ongoing monitoring and communication. Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and enhancing healthcare professionals’ training in self-management support were also identified as priorities for improving comprehensive cardio-oncology care.