Informational Needs and Selected Variables in Patients Receiving Brachytherapy

The increasing use of brachytherapy in patients with cancer mandates that the informational needs of these patients are met. A nonrandomized sample of 22 patients undergoing brachytherapy participated in a study to determine (1) informational needs, (2) the degree to which patients prefer to be informed about and to participate in their medical care, and (3) the relationship between informational needs and selected variables. Most patients (86.4%) desired maximum information about their illness. The informational needs most frequently identified preimplant were how to manage side effects (54.5%), activity restrictions during implant (54.5%), pain management and comfort measures (54.5%), cause of current symptoms (54.5%), and how the implant could affect symptoms (54.5%). Postimplant needs included when to call the doctor (68%), possible side effects of treatment (64%), and how to manage side effects (63.6%). A significantly lower level of anxiety was found after the implant, compared to before the implant (p less than 0.005). A significant relationship was found between the number of informational needs and the stage of disease. Patients with advanced late disease (stages III and IV) had fewer informational needs than those with early disease (stages I and II), both before and after the implant (p less than 0.05). The results indicate that patients receiving brachytherapy have a variety of informational needs and generally prefer to be fully informed about their condition. The findings indicate possible content areas for educational programs and for counseling of patients undergoing brachytherapy.