developing and evaluating multimedia patient education tools to better prepare prostate-cancer patients for radiotherapy treatment (randomized study)

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of multimedia educational tools to improve ct planning preparation for intensity modulated radiotherapy (imrt) for prostate cancer. many patients are not prepared when given verbal preparation instructions to have a full bladder and empty rectum for their imrt and require being rescanned, which results in additional costs for the patient and the hospital. a pamphlet and video outlining the proper preparation for prostate imrt was created to decrease additional scans and the associated costs, while increasing patient satisfaction. a controlled, randomized experimental group study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of the multimedia tools (the video and the pamphlet), as compared to the pamphlet only, in preparing patients for their planning ct appointment. we found no statistical difference between the multimedia group and the pamphlet group in patients’ preparedness for their appointments and the rescanning rate. however, patients in the multimedia group indicated that they felt more prepared about their treatment after watching the video and stated that they would recommend the video to other patients with prostate cancer. furthermore, patients who had to wait longer for their planning ct appointment felt less prepared by the materials than those with a shorter wait time. we recommend reducing wait times between appointments as much as possible to increase patients’ preparedness for the planning ct. we conclude that providing multimedia treatment information and minimizing wait times increases patients’ feelings of preparedness leading to a more positive treatment experience and reducing costly rescans. trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov nct02410291