Using tablet-based technology in patient education about systemic therapy options for early-stage breast cancer: a pilot study

Current Oncology

J. McCarthy¹  E.R. Morgan²  F. McCrate¹  K. Laing¹  M.D. Seal¹ 

[1] Memorial University;University of Toronto

关键词: Breast cancer;    patient education;    mobile technology;    tablet computers;    adjuvant systemic therapy;    e-learning;    clinical teaching tools;   

DOI  :  

学科分类：肿瘤学

来源: Multimed, Inc.

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundPatient education in early-stage breast cancer has been shown to improve patient well-being and quality of life, but it poses a challenge given the increasingly complex regimens and time constraints in clinical practice. Technology-aided teaching in the clinic could help to improve the understanding of adjuvant systemic therapy for patients. In this prospective pilot study, we used a clinician-administered, tablet-based teaching aid to teach patients with early-stage breast cancer about adjuvant systemic therapy. MethodsParticipation was offered to newly diagnosed patients with early-stage breast cancer presenting for their first medical oncology visit at a provincial cancer centre. Participants were shown a tablet-based presentation describing procedures, rationales, risks, and benefits of adjuvant systemic therapy as an adjunct to a discussion with the medical oncologist. After the clinic visit, participants completed a questionnaire measuring satisfaction with the visit and knowledge of the treatment plan discussed. ResultsThe 25 patients recruited for the study had a mean age of 57 years. An offer of upfront chemotherapy alone was made to 12 participants (48%), chemotherapy with trastuzumab to 4 (16%), and hormonal therapy to 9 (36%). Correct answers to all questions related to treatment knowledge were given by 22 patients (88%). Satisfaction with the clinic visit was high (mean  satisfaction score: 4.53 ± 0.1 of a possible 5). ConclusionsWe found that a tablet-based presentation about adjuvant systemic therapy was satisfactory to patients with early-stage breast cancer and that knowledge retention after the clinic visit was high. Tablet-based teaching could be a feasible and effective way of educating patients in the breast oncology clinic and warrants further investigation in randomized studies.

【 授权许可】

Unknown