Effective Information Provision About the Side Effects of Treatment for Malignant Lymphoma: Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial Using Video Vignettes.

Nanon Labrie,Julia Cm Van Weert,Ellen Ma Smets,Dick Johan Van Spronsen,Sandra Van Dulmen,Marie José Kersten,Hanneke Jcm De Haes,Arwen H Pieterse

doi:10.2196/12453

Abstract

BackgroundInforming patients with cancer about the possible implications of prospective treatment is a crucial yet challenging task. Unfortunately, patients’ recall of medical information is generally poor and their information needs are not met. Effective information giving entails that oncologists help patients understand and recall the implications of their treatment, meanwhile fostering a trusting physician-patient relationship. Communication strategies that are often suggested to be effective are structuring and tailoring (cognition-oriented) but also are oncologists’ expressions of caring or empathy (affect-oriented).ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to provide evidence concerning the pathways linking physician communication to (improved) consultation outcomes for patients. More specifically, the aim is to determine the effects of information structuring and information tailoring, combined with physician caring, on information recall, satisfaction with information, and trust in the physician (primary objective) and on symptom distress (secondary objective).MethodsA randomized controlled trial, systematically testing the effects of information structuring and information tailoring, each combined with caring, in 2 video-vignette experiments (2×2 and 2×2×2 design). Using an online survey platform, participants will be randomly allocated (blinded) to 1 of 12 conditions in which they are asked to view a video vignette (intervention) in which an oncologist discusses a treatment plan for malignant lymphoma with a patient. The independent variables of interest are systematically varied across conditions. The outcome measures are assessed in a survey, using validated instruments. Study participants are (former) patients with cancer and their relatives recruited via online panels and patient organizations. This protocol discusses the trial design, including the video-vignette design, intervention pretesting, and a pilot study.ResultsData collection has now been completed, and preliminary analyses will be available in Spring 2019. A total of 470 participants completed the first part of the survey and were randomized to receive the intervention.ConclusionsThe results of the proposed trial will provide evidence concerning the pathways linking physician information, giving skills to (improved) consultation outcomes for patients.Trial RegistrationNetherlands Trial Register NTR6153; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6022 (Archived by Webcite at http://www.webcitation.org/76xVV9xC8).International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/12453

Highlights

BackgroundInforming patients with cancer about the possible implications of prospective treatment is a crucial yet challenging task
The aim of this study is to provide evidence concerning the pathways linking physician communication to consultation outcomes for patients
The aim is to determine the effects of information structuring and information tailoring, combined with physician caring, on information recall, satisfaction with information, and trust in the physician and on symptom distress

Summary

Introduction

BackgroundInforming patients with cancer about the possible implications of prospective treatment is a crucial yet challenging task. It is important that patients remember treatment information, research consistently shows that patients’ recall of medical information is poor [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. Having information about symptoms and treatment may provide patients with a sense of control, reduce their anxiety and distress, and provide support coping with the physical and psychological demands of cancer treatment [18,19]. Effective information giving entails that oncologists help patients understand and recall the implications of their treatment, fostering a trusting physician-patient relationship. Questions concerning participants’ health literacy [68], medical knowledge (general and lymphoma-specific), overall health (1 item), and cancer (treatment and family) history were included. The Video Engagement Scale (15 items; 7-point scale) [60] was included to measure participants’ involvement with the video vignette

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Conclusion