title: Randomised controlled trial of a tailored information pack for patients undergoing surgery and treatment for rectal cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of a tailored information package for rectal cancer patients on satisfaction with information, anxiety and depression and readjustment.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study used a randomised control trial method. Seventy six patients undergoing surgery and treatment for rectal cancer were randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 43) or control group (n = 33). The intervention group received an information pack tailored according to their treatment plan and preferred information. The control group received the information currently given to these patients. Satisfaction with information was measured using the Patient Satisfaction with Cancer Treatment Education (PSCaTE) scale, anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and readjustment was measured using the Reintegration to Normal Living Index, at three time points.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control group on pre and post intervention scores with patients in the intervention group expressing a higher level of satisfaction with information than those in the control group at Times 2 and 3 (p = 0.00 for both). The intervention group also had a significantly lower anxiety score than the control group at Time 3 (p = 0.03). There was no difference between depression and readjustment scores in the two groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results support the hypothesis that a tailored information pack for patients with rectal cancer will positively affect satisfaction with information. These results will enhance the knowledge base surrounding the provision of tailored information to specific patient groups.
authors.affiliation: Macmillan Colorectal Cancer Nurse Specialist, Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry, Northern Ireland BT47 6SB, UK. Electronic address: gloriaoconnor@yahoo.co.uk.
authors.forename: Gloria
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK. Electronic address: ve.coates@ulster.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Vivien
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Coates
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Londonderry BT48 7JL, UK. Electronic address: sm.oneill@ulster.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Siobhan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: O'Neill
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011788:Quality of Life; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D012016:Reference Values; D013664:Teaching Materials; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Anxiety; Depression; Information; Readjustment; Rectal cancer; Satisfaction