Implementation and Evaluation of Educational Videos to Improve Cancer Knowledge and Patient Empowerment. (17th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tilly, Alyssa E.; Ellis, Grace K.; Chen, Jane S.; Manda, Agness; Salima, Ande; Mtangwanika, Asekanadziwa; Tewete, Blessings; Kaimila, Bongani; Kasonkanji, Edwards; Kayira, Ella; Chikasema, Maria; Nyirenda, Ruth; Bingo, Samuel; Chiyoyola, Sara; Seguin, Ryan; Gopal, Satish; Zuze, Takondwa; Tomoka, Tamiwe; Westmoreland, Katherine D.
• Is Part Of: JCO global oncology. Volume 8(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02-17
• Subjects: Oncology -- Periodicals; Medical Oncology; Neoplasms; Oncology; Electronic journals; Periodical; Periodicals; 616.994005
• DOI: 10.1200/GO.21.00315
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2687-8941

Abstract

Abstract : PURPOSE: Low health literacy is a leading cause of treatment abandonment among patients receiving cancer care at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Malawi. METHODS: We developed cancer educational videos featuring Malawian providers and played them in the KCH oncology clinic. The videos addressed cancer-related topics, including disease biology, common myths, diagnostic procedures, treatment, side effects, and survivorship. After 6 months of implementation, we compared results from 50 pre- and postintervention surveys to assess change in cancer knowledge and care experience. RESULTS: Both pre- and postintervention cancer knowledge were good: a median of nine questions were answered correctly of 11 in both assessments. Despite the intervention, most continued to incorrectly identify cancer as an infection (pre: n = 26, 52%; post: n = 25, 50%; P = 1.0), although improvements were observed in patients' knowledge of correct actions for fever at home (pre: n = 38, 76%; post: n = 43, 86%; P = .31). Care experiences were overall good. Postintervention results indicate that more patients felt always listened to by their providers (pre: n = 18, 36%; post: n = 29, 58%; P < .01). However, we also noted a higher rate of patient dissatisfaction of care as more patients felt that they could not understand chemotherapy counseling (pre: n = 11, 22%; post: n = 22, 44%; P < .01). Assessments of video satisfaction indicate that patients found the videos very helpful in terms of understanding their disease (n = 47, 96%) and side effects (n = 48, 98%) and felt empowered to speak up with their providers (n = 46, 96%). CONCLUSION: Standardized education materials for patients that can be feasibly implemented throughout sub-Saharan Africa are urgently needed. Cancer educational videos are a low-cost way to educate and empower patients with cancer in resource-constrained settings although in-person discussions remain a crucial part of care. Abstract :