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Annals of Oncology Advance Access originally published online on December 12, 2005
Annals of Oncology 2006 17(3):515-520; doi:10.1093/annonc/mdj098
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© 2005 European Society for Medical Oncology

Impact of providing booklets about chemotherapy to newly presenting patients with cancer: a randomized controlled trial

G. Iconomou, A. Viha, A. Koutras, I. Koukourikou, V. Mega, T. Makatsoris, A. Onyenadum, K. Assimakopoulos, A. G. Vagenakis and H. P. Kalofonos*

Department of Medicine – Division of Oncology, University of Patras Medical School, University Hospital, Rion 26504, Greece

* Correspondence to: Dr H. P. Kalofonos, Department of Medicine – Division of Oncology, University Hospital, University of Patras Medical School, Rion 26504, Greece. Tel: +30-2610-999535; Fax: +30-2610-994645; E-mail: kalofon{at}med.upatras.gr

Background: There has been limited research examining the efficacy of providing written information to cancer patients in southern and eastern European countries. This study investigated the impact of a booklet about chemotherapy on patient satisfaction, quality of life (QoL) and emotional distress, and assessed booklet use.

Patients and methods: A total of 145 Greek cancer outpatients prior to commencing chemotherapy completed a questionnaire and were randomized to receive (n = 72) or not receive (n = 73) the booklet. All patients completed the second questionnaire before the following cycle of chemotherapy.

Results: Baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two groups. Experimental group patients reported being significantly more satisfied with the information received and care overall than those in the control group, felt significantly more and better informed, and perceived the information received as being clearer and detailed. The intervention produced no benefits in terms of anxiety, depression or QoL. The booklet was read by almost all patients and to a great extent by significant others. The majority considered the booklet useful to read and helpful in recalling chemotherapy-related information.

Conclusions: The current results provide further evidence on the efficacy of information-giving interventions in societies where disclosure of information to cancer patients still remains controversial.

Key words: anxiety, booklets, chemotherapy, depression, quality of life, satisfaction


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