Development and evaluation of a tailored information pack for patients with cancer of the rectum

• Main Author: O'Connor, Margaret Gloria
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Ulster 2012

Phase 1 - Exploring the information needs of patients with rectal cancer Aims; to adapt the TINQ to measure the information needs of patients with rectal cancer and assess how these information have been met. Method; TINQ adapted on advice of expert panel and patient representative and delivered in semi-structured interview format. Result: information needs were high and the information needs of this patient group were not adequately met. Patients differed in the type and amount of information that they wished to receive. Conclusion - tailored information that can be delivered in a stepwise fashion may be more effective than generic information in meeting, the information needs of rectal cancer patients. Phase 2 - Development of a Tailored Information Pack for patients with Rectal Cancer Aims: to develop a series of leaflets informed by literature and information needs assessment deal ing with various aspects of rectal cancer Method - a series of 14 leaflets developed. These can be tailored according to the patients' treatment plan, and the information they wish to receive. Readability statistics were checked and a graphic designer ensured that the leaflets are visually appealing and easy to read. Drafts were circulated to healthcare professionals to check accuracy of information and patient representatives were consulted using focus groups. Result; Patients in the focus group gave positive feedback about the leaflets and other important themes emerged from data Conclusion; feedback supports view that patients find information provided in sections that can be read in isolation is easy to navigate and "dip into". Thorough testing of the pack by RCT will ensure that healthcare professionals can use the pack with confidence. Phase 3 - RCT Evaluation of the tailored Information pack Aims; to determine if a tailored information pack for rectal cancer patients would affect satisfaction with information, anxiety and depression and readjustment. Method; RCT evaluation of the pack - repeated measures design at three time points. Patients randomised into intervention group (new info pack) or control group (usual care). Result; Patients who received the intervention (tailored information pack) had significantly higher satisfaction with information scores (p = .00) and significantly lower anxiety levels (p = .03) than those in the control group. Conclusion; tailored information is more effective than generic information in meeting the information needs of rectal cancer patients.