For Oncologists it is difficult to identify patients at risk for distress. In this study we examined whether patient education before undergoing radiotherapy can help doctors to identify patients at risk.
It was a cohort study with repeated measurements. Before and after counceling and at the end of treatment. We used standardized questionaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, PLC) and self created questions.
Overall satisfaction with the counceling, gaining information and devolping trust was inversely correlated with side-effect scores, appetitloss and panic. Having more worries after the encounter was positivly correlated with side-effect-score, appetitloss, panic, loneliness and overall burden.
Negative Affect rated by doctors was positivly correlated with side-effect-score, loneliness and more worries after doctor-patient-encounter. It was negatively correlated with feeling calm and safe.
Patients who expected healing although recieving palliative treatment showed less QoL and more negative feelings (fatigue, feeling depressed and lonely) and less positive feelings (satisfied, eased) after the treatment.
In summery: Patient education in radiotherapy can help doctors to identify patients at risk for more distress by looking at some riskfactors.
Ueberholz, Kerin Johanna: Aufklärung und das Erleben der Strahlentherapie: Möglichkeiten der Erkennung von Risikopatienten. : Philipps-Universität Marburg 2010-03-09. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17192/z2010.0203.
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