title: Information needs of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in an ambulatory-care setting.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the information needs of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and to explore their preferred styles of receiving education in an ambulatory-care setting. Patient information needs and preferences were measured using a 17-item questionnaire. This descriptive study included a sample of 101 cancer patients undergoing outpatient chemotherapy. The most commonly expressed information needs concerned: side effects of treatment, drug information, and coping strategies. Some patients expressed a preference for information in their primary language. The results support the use of online learning in this setting. Patients identified one-on-one discussion with nurses and doctors as the preferred way to receive information. In order to meet the individual needs of cancer patients, education should be provided in a variety of learning modalities. The results of this study should help to guide patient education initiatives in oncology ambulatory care.
authors.affiliation: Princess Margaret Hospital/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. karen.lock@uhn.on.ca
authors.forename: Karen K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Lock
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Willson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D009864:Ontario; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D013664:Teaching Materials
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents