Preoperative Concurrent Chemo-radiotherapy in Rectal Cancer: Outcomes of Two Teaching Methods on Patients` Awareness

Abstract

Aim : This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of two teaching methods on awareness of patients` with rectal cancer undergoing preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy . Methods: A prospective quasi-experimental design was used for the conduction of this study in the Surgical Outpatients` Clinics and Oncology Department at Ain Shams and Tanta Universities Hospitals. A purposive sample composed of 160 adult and old age curative patients from both sexes with rectal cancer undergoing preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy were recruited from the above mentioned settings. Tools : 1) Patients' interviewing questionnaire (pre/post tests ) to assess studied patients` knowledge about concurrent chemoradiotherapy .2) Patients' anxiety concerns assessment sheet ( pre test ) . 3) An observation checklist (pre/post tests) to evaluate studied patients` practices as regards concurrent chemoradiotherapy (pre/post tests ). (4) Patients’ condition assessment ( during and post treatment protocol ) : It included , Numerical Rating Pain Scale , Beck Anxiety Inventory , Fatigue Severity Scale and Self-Report Weekly Diary . Results: There were statistical significant differences between pre/post tests as regards the effects of two teaching methods on studied patients` awareness ( knowledge and practices ) , whereas more improvement was noticed in post tests , added to an obvious improvement in patients `health condition post treatment protocol . Conclusion : The two teaching methods( educational program and instructional booklet ) were helpful on improving awareness of patients with rectal cancer undergoing preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy and the educational program method was more better and assistance . Moreover, significant reduction on fatigue and pain levels added to treatment side effects among the studied patients. Recommendations: Further studies should be carried out on a large number of patients with preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy for evidence of the results and generalization.