Teaching Cancer Patients the Value of Correct Positioning During Radiotherapy Using Visual Aids and Practical Exercises

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate if teaching patients about positioning before radiotherapy treatment would (a) reduce the residual rotational set-up errors, (b) reduce the number of repositionings and (c) improve patients' sense of control by increasing self-efficacy and reducing distress. Patients were randomized to either standard care (control group) or standard care and a teaching session combining visual aids and practical exercises (intervention group). Daily images from the treatment sessions were evaluated off-line. Both groups filled in a questionnaire before and at the end of the treatment course on various aspects of cooperation with the staff regarding positioning. Comparisons of residual rotational set-up errors showed an improvement in the intervention group compared to the control group. No significant differences were found in number of repositionings, self-efficacy or distress. Results show that it is possible to teach patients about positioning and thereby improve precision in positioning. Teaching patients about positioning did not seem to affect self-efficacy or distress scores at baseline and at the end of the treatment course.

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

“…Nonetheless, data from these studies report an increase in knowledge and/or satisfaction with the VERT‐based education interventions. VERT was also found to be useful in providing patient positioning and bowel and bladder preparation information to pelvic cancer patients, which supports the use of VERT for specific‐instructional education …”

“…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.…”

“…All other studies employed a relevant, but generic patient CT data set. [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.…”