6-MONTH FOLLOW-UP OF EFFECTS OF AN INFORMATION PROGRAM FOR PATIENTS WITH MALIGNANT-MELANOMA

Using a randomized design, the effects of an information programme for melanoma patients were studied. The programme consisted of a group me eting and a brochure. The present study reports on the six-month follo w-up of the effects of the programme. A total of 128 patients particip ated in the programme, 55 before and 73 after the first medical contro l visit. Questionnaires regarding knowledge about melanoma, psychologi cal and psychosomatic variables were completed at the first medical co ntrol visit and six months later by mail. A questionnaire concerning p atients attitudes to the programme was included after six months. Know ledge about melanoma increased and a majority of patients were satisfi ed with the information brochure, the group meeting and the group lead er, but 40% considered that too few participants attended in their gro up meeting. No effects on psychological or psychosomatic variables wer e found. Men and women participated to the same extent.