Effective methods of giving information in cancer: a systematic literaturereview of randomized controlled trials

There is increasing evidence to suggest that patients with cancer require m ore information about their disease and its consequences than they receive. In an attempt to address these needs, a variety of methods have been used to facilitate the passage of information from health professionals and othe r cancer information sources to cancer patients and their families. These i nclude written material, telephone help-lines, teaching and audiovisual aid s. Although these efforts have been well received, little attention has bee n given to the effectiveness of the methods employed. The aims of this pape r were to systematically review randomized controlled trials that have eval uated methods of information giving to cancer patients and their families. Relevant literature was identified through computerized databases, Internet cancer sites and bibliography searches. Multiple reviewers independently a nalysed the methodological quality of the papers according to agreed criter ia. From this process, 10 studies were identified. Interventions ranged fro m written information to audiotapes, audiovisual aids and interactive mediu m. Individually tailored methods such as patient care records and patient e ducational programmes were also reviewed. The evidence indicated that the i nterventions had positive effects on a number of patient outcomes, such as knowledge and recall, symptom management, satisfaction, preferences, health care utilization and affective states. This was above and beyond the usual care provision. In the majority of studies the interventions had no effect on psychological indices. Furthermore, the review highlighted that certain methods should be based on individual preferences for information rather t han uniformly administered.