The Development and Evaluation of a Patient Educational Resource for Cancer-Related Cognitive Dysfunction

This study describes the development and evaluation of a CRCD resource for cancer patients. An educational booklet was developed in accordance with multiple evidence-based guidelines for cancer patient education. Cancer patients on chemotherapy (N  = 113; 34% men; median age 55, range 19–85) reviewed the booklet and self-reported CRCD knowledge before and after reading the booklet. They also gave ratings on general impressions of the booklet. Seventy-five percent of participants reported that the resource increased their self-reported C RCD knowledge. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test demonstrated that exposure to the booklet elicited a statistically significant change in self-reported knowledge (Z = − 7.13,p <  0.001). A repeated-measures ANCOVA determined that the means of self-reported CRCD knowledge were significantly different between pre- and post-exposure (F(1, 92)  = 7.96,p = 0.006,η2 = 0.08). Exploratory analyses revealed that self-reported CRCD knowledge increased across all educational attainment levels from pre- to post-exposure. Ninety-one percent of participants reported that all patients undergoing cancer treatment would find this booklet helpful. Cancer patients at r isk for cognitive challenges gained self-reported CRCD knowledge from the booklet, and they think this knowledge would be helpful to others. A resource that makes CRCD understandable and manageable can bridge the gap in self-rated knowledge across education levels.
Source: Journal of Cancer Education - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research