
Kantaporn Yodchai
Prince of Songkla University, ThailandPresentation Title:
The efficacy of chemo-cooling gloves in preventing nail toxicity among Thai women undergoing chemotherapy
Abstract
Cryotherapy is commonly utilized across healthcare settings, including first aid, management of acute musculoskeletal injuries, and supportive care for women receiving chemotherapy. Evidence suggests that the use of frozen gloves can mitigate chemotherapy-induced nail toxicity a prevalent side effect associated with pain and nail deformities. Despite their reported benefits, optimal temperature parameters for cooling gloves remain undefined, often leading to patient discomfort. This innovative study employed a quasi-experimental, two-group pretest-posttest design to assess the effectiveness of researcher-developed Chemo-Cooling Gloves in preventing nail toxicity. The study also evaluated user satisfaction among 27 Thai women undergoing chemotherapy, recruited purposively from a university-affiliated hospital in southern Thailand.
Participants received a combination chemotherapy regimen of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil every 21 days for six cycles. Each participant served as their own control, wearing the cooling glove on one randomly selected hand while the other hand remained unprotected. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 3.0, and a glove satisfaction questionnaire. Analysis with descriptive statistics and Cochran’s Q test revealed significantly lower nail toxicity in the gloved hand during cycles 2–3 and 2–4. Although differences were not statistically significant in later cycles, overall satisfaction was rated highest. These findings support integrating cryotherapy gloves into clinical practice. Nurse training and patient education are essential to ensure effective use, improve treatment adherence, and optimize chemotherapy outcomes.
Biography
Kantaporn Yodchai is an Associate Professor in the Department of Adult and Elderly Nursing at the Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand. She earned her Ph.D. in Nursing from Deakin University, Australia, and holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing Science from institutions in Thailand. With over two decades of experience in nursing education and practice, Dr. Yodchai specializes in chronic disease care, particularly for patients with kidney disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. Her research focuses on symptom management, quality of life, and the integration of technology in nursing care. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has presented her work at numerous international conferences. Recognized for her contributions to nursing innovation, she has received multiple awards, including Top Downloaded Article recognitions from leading journals. Dr. Yodchai is committed to advancing nursing practice through education, research, and innovation.