title: Pilot randomised controlled trial of a radiation therapist-led educational intervention for breast cancer patients prior to commencing radiotherapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although patients receive information prior to commencing radiotherapy, they often experience anxiety and distress. We conducted a pilot randomised controlled trial to determine whether a radiation therapist led psycho-educational intervention for breast cancer patients prior to radiotherapy is likely to be effective in reducing radiotherapy-related concerns, patient anxiety and depression.
  
  
  METHODS
  The intervention comprised two face-to-face consultations with a radiation therapist (one prior to radiation planning and the other prior to treatment). Patients completed surveys at baseline, prior to treatment planning and on the first day of treatment. Outcome measures included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Radiation Therapy Related Patient Concerns and Radiation Therapy Knowledge Scales.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and twenty two patients completed baseline measures. Fifty-eight patients received usual care, and 64 received the intervention. After the first consultation, patient anxiety was significantly lower in the intervention group (p = 0.048), as were concerns about radiotherapy (p = 0.001). There were no differences between groups for depression. Patient knowledge for the intervention group was higher after the first consultation (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This intervention is likely to be effective in reducing patient anxiety and concerns and increasing knowledge. Future research is required to test this intervention with a larger population.
authors: WA Centre for Cancer and Palliative Care/Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia. g.halkett@curtin.edu.au
authors: G K B
authors: GK
authors: Halkett
authors: M
authors: M
authors: O'Connor
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Aranda
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Jefford
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Shaw
authors: D
authors: D
authors: York
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Spry
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Taylor
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Schofield
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D059248:Chemoradiotherapy / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D012017:Referral and Consultation
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