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dc.contributor.authorHalkett, Georgia
dc.contributor.authorKristjanson, Linda
dc.contributor.authorLobb, Elizabeth
dc.contributor.authorLittle, J.
dc.contributor.authorShaw, T.
dc.contributor.authorTaylor, A.
dc.contributor.authorSpry, Nigel
dc.date.accessioned2017-01-30T12:18:55Z
dc.date.available2017-01-30T12:18:55Z
dc.date.created2011-06-27T20:01:39Z
dc.date.issued2011
dc.identifier.citationHalkett, Georgia K.B. and Kristjanson, Linda J. and Lobb, Elizabeth and Little, Jonathon and Shaw, Therese and Taylor, Mandy and Spry, Nigel. 2012. Information needs and preferences of women as they proceed through radiotherapy for breast cancer. Patient Education and Counselling. 86 (3): pp. 396-404.
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/20378
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.pec.2011.05.010
dc.description.abstract

Objective. While radiotherapy is commonly employed in the treatment of breast cancer, many women know little about treatment and experience treatment related anxiety. The aims of this study were to: Prioritise breast cancer patients’ radiotherapy related information needs and concerns; determine unmet information needs; ascertain which information sources patients prefer to receive; and explore whether information provision reduces anxiety and depression. Methods. A longitudinal survey was administered at four time points: after initial consultation with radiation oncologist, after the planning appointment, within first week of treatment and after treatment completion. Data was analysed using generalised estimating equations.Results. 123 women participated. Women were most concerned about the impact treatment would have on their health in the future. Women identified high information needs prior to treatment planning and commencing treatment. Women's anxiety at baseline (mean = 6.07, SD = 3.89) did not significantly drop until after treatment commencement (mean = 5.33, SD = 4.15). Conclusion. This study demonstrates that women's information needs and anxiety levels are high until treatment commencement. Clinical implications In order to reduce patients’ psychological distress, information needs and concerns we recommend that a greater focus is placed on providing information to patients prior to treatment planning and prior to treatment.

dc.publisherElsevier Ireland Ltd
dc.subjectBeast cancer
dc.subjectAnxiety
dc.subjectInformation needs
dc.subjectRadiotherapy
dc.subjectQuestionnaire
dc.titleInformation needs and preferences of women as they proceed through radiotherapy for breast cancer
dc.typeJournal Article
dcterms.source.volume4082
dcterms.source.startPage1
dcterms.source.endPage9
dcterms.source.issn0738-3991
dcterms.source.titlePatient Education and Counselling
curtin.departmentWA Centre for Cancer and Palliative Care (WACCPC)
curtin.accessStatusFulltext not available


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