A stop-motion animation aid to provide information to patients on radiotherapy for thoracic cancers
Theresa O'Donovan,
Ireland
PO-2266
Abstract
A stop-motion animation aid to provide information to patients on radiotherapy for thoracic cancers
Authors: Theresa O'Donovan1, Laura Delaney2, Annemarie Devine1, Dr. Andrew England1, Professor Mark McEntee1, Professor Aisling Barry1,3, Claire Harman3, Dr. Muhammad Faisal Jamaluddin3
1University College Cork, Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, Co. Cork, Ireland; 2Cork University Hospital, Radiation Oncology, Cork, Ireland; 3Cork University Hospital, Radiation Oncology, Co. Cork, Ireland
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Purpose or Objective
Before radiotherapy (RT), approximately half of patients feel increased fear and stress. There is currently no standardised education tool for patients who receive thoracic RT treatment. In general, thoracic cancer patients receive information through verbal and written leaflets that often neglect to describe in detail what is to be expected in the RT treatment process. The aim of this study was to create a Stop-Motion Animation as a teaching aid for patients with thoracic cancers and to evaluate the utility of the new animation in aiding patient knowledge and reducing procedure-related anxiety.
Material and Methods
This prospective interventional study was conducted in a large teaching hospital with a Stop-Motion Animation as a complementary information provision method with no other changes to standard care. The video utilised 18-inch characters to demonstrate the planning computed tomography simulation, the potential requirement for a 4D-CT scan, immobilisation equipment, the treatment planning process, examples of common side effects, and general information specific to the Department. The Initial Radiotherapy Understanding (IRTU), Post Radiotherapy Understanding (PRTU), and the questionnaire for fear of radiotherapy (QAFRT) questionnaires were completed pre- and postintervention, and at the tenth fraction of RT treatment. Ethical approval was obtained from the University College Cork’s (UCC) Clinical Research Ethics Committee (CREC).
Results
Nine patients were included, 55% in the control group (n=5) and 45% in the intervention group (n=4). The intervention group had a complete understanding of treatment-related side effects (skin, swallowing, chest discomfort, tiredness, and nausea) post-intervention, as assessed by IRTU and post-IRTU scales. The control group showed understanding across 80% of the mentioned themes. The results showed a decrease in patient apprehension regarding starting treatment and in damage to organs not included in target volumes associated with RT in both groups, as measured by the QAFRT.
Conclusion
The Stop-Motion Animation education video may be a valuable aid for thoracic cancer patients as a supplemental tool used in tandem with both verbal and written standard information. There may be a potential to create further site-specific videos for patients undergoing other RT treatments.