Patient Information in Radiooncology

Abstract

Our short questionnaire is simple and easy to understand. It provides insights into patient information with respect to assessment of the information, satisfaction level, and agreement between doctor and patient. Therefore, it is suitable for use in the clinical routine. We found a high information and satisfaction score, but limited agreement between physician and patient. In the future, the questionnaire can be used as an aid to evaluate patient information in everyday practice and to train the communication skills of the physician. Further evaluation of the questionnaire is needed and, in particular, the aspect of patient information with palliative radiotherapy has to be improved.

Patient satisfaction during radiation therapy

“…In the study of Henrich et al [16], the variable that correlated most closely with overall satisfaction was "the opportunity to address questions to the physician" whereas in our study it was "communication of findings of a study/test. " In general, all available studies showed a clear relationship between patient satisfaction and patient-doctor communication [1,27].…”

“…Some patients have unrealistic expectations believing to be cured even in the case of palliative radiotherapy. Others have baseless fears such as "damaging internal parts" or being burned [15,27]. Despite being informed on radiation treatment and its side effects, patients still fear the "unknown" of radiotherapy, e.g., their own reactions and feelings while being treated [15].…”

Radiation Therapy and Internet – What Can Patients Expect?

“…Although for tumor patients the importance of the internet as a medium to gain information has been low a decade ago (11.5%) [16,22], it is now likely to play a more important role as general application is rising. For patients in general and oncologic patients in particular, internet consultation is ranging between 29% and 52% [13,18,21].…”

Angst und Depressivität bei Tumorpatienten im Verlauf der radioonkologischen Behandlung

“…Diese Zusammenhänge konnten auch in weiteren Arbeiten beobachtet werden, die sich mit der Patientenzufriedenheit und Informationsvermittlung vor und während einer strahlentherapeutischen Behandlung befassten. Hier zeigte sich die Patientenzufriedenheit im Verlauf einer Strahlentherapie steigend, was durch die geringer werdende Angst zu erklären ist [8,20].…”