| Popis: |
Background and context: The Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia (IORS), supported by the Ministry of Health, launched the project Knowledge Against Cancer in 2015, whose aim was to prepare educational material for cancer patients. Thirteen brochures were presented on WCC in Paris in 2016. The IORS conducted a survey among oncology patients in January 2017 for them to evaluate the distributed brochures and suggest the topics for new educational material. Aim: This paper aims at evaluation of brochures for cancer patients which were created during the project and its primary goal is to define new topics for future educational material. Strategy/Tactics: The study includes 348 respondents (92% women, 8% men) with average age of 54.77 ± 13.26 and predominantly highly educated (45.4%). 90% of the respondents has evaluated this kind of educational material as significant. The study has also examined the choice and relevance of topics and the quantity and usage potential of new data. The analysis has shown that most patients are interested in including psychological aspects of cancer treatment as a new topic (76%) and in including topics concerning healthy lifestyles (69%). As the majority of the respondents are women, the significant interest has been shown for topics concerning lifedem and tumor radiation of female genital organs (over 85% of female respondents). Based on the results obtained through survey and consultations and interviews with patient support group and patients associations the educational brochures were created. Program/Policy process: In 2017, nine new topics were prepared by multidisciplinary teams from IORS: Brochure: psychological support for oncology patients, the manual for family and friends, the manuals for patients on radiation of tumors on female genital organs, for head and neck tumors, lymphoedema - prevention and treatment, treatment of thyroid gland cancer with radioactive iodine, tumor markers and laboratory diagnostic, prevention of malign illnesses and quitting smoking. Outcomes: Brochures are currently available both in paper and on the Web site free of charge. The design of mobile phone application is planned for the future. The educational material is not only presented and distributed to cancer families and the public but also to health professionals and medical workers. What was learned: The research has shown that this educational material is very important for cancer patients and that with adequate information and data such patients can improve life quality predominantly through the reduction of fears and anxiety, development of coping mechanisms to deal with the cancer diagnosis and treatment and encouraging them to take active part in cancer treatment. |
