Do multimedia based information services increase knowledge and satisfaction in head and neck cancer patients?

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the impact of a Multimode Comprehensive Tailored Information Package (MCTIP) on Head and Neck (H&N) cancer patients' knowledge and satisfaction.

Methods: A non-randomized controlled trial was conducted at two participating hospitals. One hospital delivered the MCTIP and the second hospital provided normal care. The study was approved by local ethical committees. Patients with Stage III and IV cancer in the H&N region were recruited between their diagnosis and treatment. All participants were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6months later using the Satisfaction with Cancer Information Profile (SCIP) and a Cancer Knowledge questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, T tests, chi square tests and finally linear mixed model analyses to test the potential impact of the intervention.

Results: A total of 103 participants participated in this study and complete data at all time points were collected for 96. The Test group reported higher levels of Cancer Knowledge and Satisfaction at all time points (p<0.001 with all comparisons) compared to the Control group.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrated an association between receiving the multimedia based tailored information and higher levels of satisfaction and cancer knowledge compared to those who receive information in ad hoc manner.

Implications: Exploring patients' informational needs is necessary before planning information services to them.

Keywords: Cancer knowledge; Head neck cancer; Information intervention; Multimedia; Satisfaction.