Development and evaluation of an audiovisual information resource to promote self-management of chemotherapy side-effects

Abstract

Based on a theoretical framework, we developed an audiovisual resource to promote self-management of eight common chemotherapy side-effects. A patient needs analysis identified content domains, best evidence for preparing patients for threatening medical procedures and a systematic review of effective self-care strategies informed script content. Patients and health professionals were invited to complete a written evaluation of the video. A 25-min video was produced. Fifty health professionals and 37 patients completed the evaluation. All considered the video informative and easy to understand. The majority believed the video would reduce anxiety and help patients prepare for chemotherapy. Underpinned by a robust theoretical framework, we have developed an evidence-based resource that is perceived by both patients and health professionals as likely to enhance preparedness for chemotherapy.

Preparing patients for threatening medical treatments: effects of a chemotherapy educational DVD on anxiety, unmet needs, and self-efficacy

“…This reinforces the importance of pairing educational resources with tailored education sessions. Our pilot test data showed that more than 90% of patients and health professionals believed that the DVD would allow people starting chemotherapy to "feel less anxious about treatment", "prepare themselves for chemotherapy", "understand how to manage side effects", "understand possible side effects of treatment", and "understand what treatment will feel like" [4]. The present study partially supported this for curative patients and indicated that palliative patients have specialized needs.…”

“…The resource was produced in both DVD and video format and is 25 min long. The development and pilot testing of this resource are reported in detail elsewhere [4].…”

An audiovisual information resource to assist in the transition from completion of potentially curative treatment for cancer through to survivorship: A systematic development process

“…Furthermore, educational videos are time efficient in the outpatient setting, are easily incorporated into busy health care settings and can be taken home by the patient for repeat viewings [58]. Videos or DVDs have, for example, been used to provide patients with information regarding chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy [57][58][59][60] and information about issues associated with prostate cancer [61]. Patients who watched these video resources reported higher levels of satisfaction and utilization of information received compared to patients who did not [57,58].…”

“…The framework suggests that the following elements form a best practice approach to developing a DVD for patients: audience engagement, audience comprehension, promoting patient confidence, evidence-based content, and presentation issues relevant to the audiovisual medium. In the development of audiovisual resources, engagement of key stakeholders, including people affected by cancer and health professionals, is recommended to ensure relevance and acceptability of the resource [59]. We used this framework to develop an evidence-based DVD for patients completing potentially curative treatment for cancer.…”

“…Carey et al [59] describe a framework for the development of audiovisual resources for patients, which draws on psychological theory and research around the development of patient information. The framework suggests that the following elements form a best practice approach to developing a DVD for patients: audience engagement, audience comprehension, promoting patient confidence, evidence-based content, and presentation issues relevant to the audiovisual medium.…”