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Pilot randomised controlled trial of a radiation therapist-led educational intervention for breast cancer patients prior to commencing radiotherapy

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Abstract

Purpose

Although patients receive information prior to commencing radiotherapy, they often experience anxiety and distress. We conducted a pilot randomised controlled trial to determine whether a radiation therapist led psycho-educational intervention for breast cancer patients prior to radiotherapy is likely to be effective in reducing radiotherapy-related concerns, patient anxiety and depression.

Methods

The intervention comprised two face-to-face consultations with a radiation therapist (one prior to radiation planning and the other prior to treatment). Patients completed surveys at baseline, prior to treatment planning and on the first day of treatment. Outcome measures included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Radiation Therapy Related Patient Concerns and Radiation Therapy Knowledge Scales.

Results

One hundred and twenty two patients completed baseline measures. Fifty-eight patients received usual care, and 64 received the intervention. After the first consultation, patient anxiety was significantly lower in the intervention group (p = 0.048), as were concerns about radiotherapy (p = 0.001). There were no differences between groups for depression. Patient knowledge for the intervention group was higher after the first consultation (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This intervention is likely to be effective in reducing patient anxiety and concerns and increasing knowledge. Future research is required to test this intervention with a larger population.

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Acknowledgments

Dr Georgia Halkett was supported by a National Breast Cancer Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship and a Curtin University Research Fellowship. Debra York and Sharadeh Ramdeny were the research assistants for this study. We would like to thank Rachel Kearvell and Kristy Levett for their assistance in the ongoing conduct of this study. We also thank the RTs involved in delivering the intervention and the women who participated in this study.

Funding

This study received a pilot study grant from the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Conflict of interest

None to declare.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. WA Centre for Cancer and Palliative Care/Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia

    G. K. B. Halkett, M. O’Connor, T. Shaw, D. York & N. Spry

  2. School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia

    M. O’Connor

  3. Department of Nursing and Supportive Care Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    S. Aranda, M. Jefford & P. Schofield

  4. Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    S. Aranda, M. Jefford & P. Schofield

  5. Cancer Services and Information, Cancer Institute NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    S. Aranda

  6. Child Health Promotion Research Centre, School of Exercise, Biomedical & Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia

    T. Shaw

  7. Department of Radiation Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia

    N. Spry & M. Taylor

  8. WA Centre for Cancer and Palliative Care, Curtin University, Western Australia, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia

    G. K. B. Halkett

Authors
  1. G. K. B. Halkett
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  2. M. O’Connor
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  3. S. Aranda
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  4. M. Jefford
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  6. D. York
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  7. N. Spry
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  8. M. Taylor
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  9. P. Schofield
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to G. K. B. Halkett.

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Halkett, G.K.B., O’Connor, M., Aranda, S. et al. Pilot randomised controlled trial of a radiation therapist-led educational intervention for breast cancer patients prior to commencing radiotherapy. Support Care Cancer 21, 1725–1733 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-013-1719-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-013-1719-5

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