Open AccessWhat is the effect of a low literacy talking book on patient knowledge, anxiety and communication before radiation therapy starts? A pilot study
Author(s) -
SmithLickess Sian K,
Stefanic Natalie,
Shaw Joanne,
Shepherd Heather,
Naehrig Diana,
Turner Robin M,
CabreraAguas Maria,
Meiser Bettina,
Halkett Georgia KB,
Jackson Michael,
Saade George,
Bucci Joseph,
Milross Christopher,
Dhillon Haryana M
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of medical radiation sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.484
H-Index - 18
eISSN - 2051-3909
pISSN - 2051-3895
DOI - 10.1002/jmrs.606
Subject(s) - anxiety , medicine , health literacy , intervention (counseling) , literacy , radiation therapist , psychology , family medicine , medical education , radiation therapy , psychiatry , health care , pedagogy , surgery , economics , economic growth
Radiation therapy is a common cancer treatment, requiring timely information to help patients prepare for treatment. We pilot tested a low literacy, psycho‐educational talking book (written booklet, with accompanying audio recording) to examine (i) the effect of the tool on knowledge, anxiety and communication; (ii) acceptability, and (iii) how it was used in appointments. Methods A pre‐post design was employed. Patients scheduled to receive radiation therapy for any cancer were recruited from two hospitals in Sydney, Australia. Participants were sent the talking book before treatment planning and completed baseline and follow‐up surveys, before and after the intervention. Results Forty participants were recruited, and 39 completed all study assessments. Overall, knowledge increased after receiving the talking book by 3.8 points from 13.9 to 17.7/20 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.7, 4.8, P < 0.001). Anxiety and concerns were significantly lower after receiving the talking book ( P = 0.015 and P = 0.004, respectively). Nearly half of participants ( s = 17, 48%) reported using the book during appointments. Most reported finding it easier to communicate ( n = 31, 89%) and to ask more questions ( n = 21, 62%). Conclusion The talking book shows promise in improving knowledge, reducing anxiety and enhancing communication. Strategies to support the implementation of the talking book are required. Further studies to translate the book into different languages are also planned.