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Investigating and comparing the patients’ and staff's perspectives on the usefulness of a head and neck radiotherapy patient education booklet

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 July 2013

Kitty Chan  and
Caroline Davey
Kitty Chan*
Affiliation:
Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
Caroline Davey
Affiliation:
Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
*
Correspondence to: Kitty Chan, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Radiation Medicine Program, Cobalt Lounge, Level 2B, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, Canada M5G 2M9. Tel: 416 946 4501, ext. 2593. Fax: 416 946 2378. E-mail: kitty.chan@rmp.uhn.on.ca
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Abstract

Introduction

Printed patient education material enhances verbal patient teaching. ‘Starting radiation therapy: helpful tips for patients with head and neck cancer’ is a booklet that facilitates head and neck (H&N) cancer patients’ orientation to the study hospital. This study examined and compared patients’ and staff's opinion on the distribution and usefulness of this booklet.

Methods

Patients starting radiotherapy treatment to their H&N cancer, and staff involved in their care, were recruited. A survey was designed to collect responses from both cohorts.

Results

Of the patients, 94% received the booklet before their first radiotherapy treatment. Of the staff, 67% referred to this booklet during patient education. Most patients (98%) found that the booklet increased their awareness of hospital and community services. Both groups indicated list of services and telephone number to be the most useful chapter. The staff suggested having this booklet available in different languages.

Conclusion

This booklet was useful as an orientation tool for the patients to navigate the hospital system. Patients and staff have similar opinion regarding the most useful sections in the booklet. Further studies needs to be conducted to validate the need of having this booklet available in other languages.

Keywords

head and neck cancerorientation toolpatient education
Type
Original Articles
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 13 , Issue 3 , September 2014 , pp. 284 - 293
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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