title: Evaluation and impact of promotion of a cancer helpline to cancer patients through their specialists.
abstract: Four hundred and sixty four cancer patients attending their first outpatient consultation (96% of those eligible) were given a pamphlet promoting a cancer helpline by their participating specialist. Calls to the helpline during and six weeks following the study period were made relating to 4% (95% CI: 2.1%-5.6%) of patients or family members receiving the pamphlet. Whilst this response is small, the willingness of cancer specialists to distribute the pamphlet identifies them as a valuable channel for linking patients with complementary services.
authors.affiliation: University of Cambridge Clinical School of Medicine, Department of Clinical Oncology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Broadstock
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hill
mesh_terms: D000329:Advertising; D003142:Communication; D015277:Hotlines / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010174:Pamphlets; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires