Empowering Patients Through Education- Online, Written, and Personal Education Resource for Prostate Cancer Patients Who Need Radiation Therapy to Ensure Patient Preparedness (Compliance and Understanding) for Their Simulation and Treatment

Detailed Summary

Rectal toxicity limits dose escalated intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for prostate cancer. The dose volume constraints that predict for rectal toxicity require minimizing prostate motion and rectum and bladder filling of IMRT .5-15 . The volumetric changes and internal organ motion during prostate IMRT increases risk of PSA failure in patients with large rectums at the planning CT scans. Patient preparation for IMRT planning is crucial .The literature is limited regarding the effectiveness of educational intervention with behavioral reinforcement for patients, and a gap if exists literacy level is considered. Patients often cannot comprehend verbal or written instructions and have difficulties following through with recommended regimens.23 Using multimedia such as Internet, audio-visual media such as DVD and even the telephone can enhance patients' knowledge and understanding about importance of preparation for IMRT for prostate ca. Thomas's study showed that in patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the video group had lower anxiety scores compared with the non video group. At SOCC patients have been provided with verbal information about bladder and rectum preparation for prostate planning CT scan and IMRT. Patients should have a "fullish" bladder and empty rectum at the time of CT simulation. If the rectal diameter is \> 4cm, the patient will be asked to empty his stool/gas and re-scanned. The 3- months review of patients preparedness for prostate IMRT showed that only 13/55 patients were adequately prepared but 42/55 (76%) of patients needed to be re-scanned due to inadequate bladder (21/42, 50%) or rectum filling 28/42, 67%) . Also, 2/13 (15%) patients were still not prepared at the second resimulation despite that they received a phone call with the instructions. The investigators plan to investigate if a multimedia education strategy will decrease costly resimulation rate for patients with prostate cancer.

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