Oncologists' use of patient educational materials about cancer and fertility preservation

Psychooncology. 2012 Nov;21(11):1244-9. doi: 10.1002/pon.2022. Epub 2011 Jul 14.

Abstract

Background: This study sought to determine the prevalence of distribution of fertility preservation (FP) materials, source of the materials, and providers' perceived relevance of the materials among a sample of US oncologists.

Methods: A 53-item survey was administered via mail and the Web to a stratified sample of oncologists from the American Medical Association Masterfile. This study represents a subset of results, reporting on three survey items.

Results: Among the 511 oncologists (32% response rate), only 13.5% (n = 69) reported 'always or often' giving their patients educational materials about FP. Among those who reported ever distributing materials, 39.5% used American Cancer Society materials, 11.0% used Fertile Hope, 6.4% used Lance Armstrong Foundation, and 11.8% used 'other'. Among those who provided materials, only 27.4% believe the FP materials they provide are 'relevant to patient's specific cancer diagnosis'.

Conclusion: There is need to improve oncologists' distribution of FP educational materials to patients with cancer.

Keywords: cancer; communication; educational materials; fertility preservation; oncologists.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Female
  • Fertility Preservation*
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Information Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Medical Oncology*
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Neoplasms / complications*
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms / psychology
  • Patient Education as Topic*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / statistics & numerical data*