Pilot study on virtual imaging for patient information on radiotherapy planning and delivery

Abstract

a b s t r a c tIt is widely accepted that health professionals might sometimes underestimate cancer patients' needs for information on the complex process of radiotherapy (RT) planning and delivery. Furthermore, relatives might also feel excluded from the treatment of their loved ones. This pilot study was carried out in order to assess whether both patients and their relatives would welcome further information on RT planning and delivery using the virtual reality (VR) system VERT. One hundred and fifty patients with different types of cancer receiving radical RT were included in the study. Patients and relatives were shown using VERT on a one-to-one basis with an oncologist or a radiographer, a standard room where RT is given, a linear accelerator, and how RT is planned and delivered using their own planning CT Scans. Patients welcomed this information as it helped them to reduce their fears about RT. Relatives felt also more involved in the treatment of their loved one. The results obtained in this pilot study show that VR aids could become an important tool for delivering information on RT to both patients and relatives.© 2015 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. IntroductionThere is clear evidence suggesting there is often a gap between the information provided to patients regarding their disease and management, and the amount of information patients wish to receive.1 Furthermore, it is not uncommon for clinicians to underestimate cancer patients' needs for information, 2 especially when the vast majority of cancer patients want to be thoroughly informed about their illness. 3 Despite this, there are still problems with respect to the provision of information which could satisfy most patients. 4 The importance of the provision of information to patients has been stressed by the Department of Health 5 stating that is a key requirement in current cancer services standards in the UK. However, it cannot be assumed that all patients want substantial information regarding their treatment as some might prefer to fully trust their doctor rather than being involved in taking any decisions that could affect their management. While several studies have addressed these issues, 6,7 further work is still required to improve the understanding of patients' needs. Furthermore, relatives might feel sometimes disengaged in the management of their loved ones and might consider themselves being excluded from several areas within the management process. The negative psychological impact upon partners and other relatives of cancer patients is well documented, 8 and such negative effect is (amongst many other factors) widely associated with lack of medical information given to them. It has long been argued that providing tailored information to relatives as well as patients in general cancer care is a positive aspect of the treatment process 9 and there is little doubt that such inclusionary practice should be encouraged in cancer care.A clear example where provision of information to patien...

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“…The remaining ten papers mentioned side effects only briefly and did not report empirical findings related to information on side effects (Clarke & Burke, 2016;Dubois & Loiselle, 2008;Eheman et al, 2009;Kelsey et al, 2004;Lehto, Helander, Taari, & Aromaa, 2015;Nicolaisen, Muller, Patel, & Hanssen, 2014;Ormerod & Jessop, 2015;Owens et al, 2003;Sulé-Suso et al, 2015;Tomlinson et al, 2014).…”

Radiation therapy patient education using VERT: combination of technology with human care

“…Researchers have taken advantage of the VERT system's features including display of computed tomography (CT) datasets which specifically matched their target learner group and education objectives. In one study, VERT education sessions were conducted using each individual patient's RT treatment plan. All other studies employed a relevant, but generic patient CT data set …”

“…VERT provides a combination of graphics, sensory technology and a physical hand‐held pendant which enables users to interact actively with the artificial, computer generated environment . The introduction of VERT into patient education offers clinical and academic educators an innovative way to demonstrate RT information …”

“…7 The introduction of VERT into patient education offers clinical and academic educators an innovative way to demonstrate RT information. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Current Evidence For Patient Education Using VERT Current evidence demonstrates a range of VERT-based intervention methods. Learner groups and measures of outcomes have been developed within or for local cancer care centre resources and patient education needs.…”

“…[9][10][11][12][13][14][15] In terms of evaluation outcomes, patient knowledge and satisfaction were the most commonly explored outcomes. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Patients' satisfaction with the education intervention was often measured using non-validated, study-specific instruments or interviews, reducing the ability to compare results between different studies. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Nonetheless, data from these studies report an increase in knowledge and/or satisfaction with the VERT-based education interventions.…”