S Damude1, J E H M Hoekstra-Weebers2, B L van Leeuwen3, H J Hoekstra4. 1. University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Surgical Oncology, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: s.damude@umcg.nl. 2. University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Wenckebach Institute, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: j.hoekstra-weebers@umcg.nl. 3. University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Surgical Oncology, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: b.l.van.leeuwen@umcg.nl. 4. University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Surgical Oncology, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: h.j.hoekstra@umcg.nl.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Informing and educating melanoma patients is important for early detection of a recurrence or second primary. This study aimed to investigate Dutch melanoma patients' disease-specific knowledge, and their opinions on information provision and the value of e-Health videos. METHODS: All AJCC stage I-II melanoma patients in follow-up between March 2015 and March 2016 at a single melanoma center were invited to complete 19 online questions, addressing respondents' characteristics, knowledge on melanoma, and opinions on melanoma-specific information received and the educational YouTube videos. RESULTS: In total, 100 patients completed the survey (response = 52%); median age was 60 years and 51% were female. Breslow tumor thickness was unknown by 34% and incorrectly indicated by 19%, for presence of ulceration this was 33% and 11%, for mitosis 65% and 14%, and for AJCC stage 52% and 23%, respectively. Only 5% correctly reproduced all four tumor characteristics. Orally delivered information regarding warning signs, severity, treatment possibilities, and importance of self-inspection was clearest for patients, compared to information in the melanoma brochure. According to 77% of patients, YouTube videos regarding self-inspection of the skin and regional lymph nodes had additional value. Altogether, 63% preferred receiving information in multiple ways; 92% orally by their physician, 62% through videos, and 43% through brochures. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' melanoma-specific knowledge appears to be limited. There is an urgent need for further improvement of providing information and patient education. In addition to oral and written information, e-Health videos seem to be a convenient supplemental and easy accessible method for patient education.
BACKGROUND: Informing and educating melanomapatients is important for early detection of a recurrence or second primary. This study aimed to investigate Dutch melanomapatients' disease-specific knowledge, and their opinions on information provision and the value of e-Health videos. METHODS: All AJCC stage I-II melanomapatients in follow-up between March 2015 and March 2016 at a single melanoma center were invited to complete 19 online questions, addressing respondents' characteristics, knowledge on melanoma, and opinions on melanoma-specific information received and the educational YouTube videos. RESULTS: In total, 100 patients completed the survey (response = 52%); median age was 60 years and 51% were female. Breslow tumor thickness was unknown by 34% and incorrectly indicated by 19%, for presence of ulceration this was 33% and 11%, for mitosis 65% and 14%, and for AJCC stage 52% and 23%, respectively. Only 5% correctly reproduced all four tumor characteristics. Orally delivered information regarding warning signs, severity, treatment possibilities, and importance of self-inspection was clearest for patients, compared to information in the melanoma brochure. According to 77% of patients, YouTube videos regarding self-inspection of the skin and regional lymph nodes had additional value. Altogether, 63% preferred receiving information in multiple ways; 92% orally by their physician, 62% through videos, and 43% through brochures. CONCLUSIONS:Patients' melanoma-specific knowledge appears to be limited. There is an urgent need for further improvement of providing information and patient education. In addition to oral and written information, e-Health videos seem to be a convenient supplemental and easy accessible method for patient education.
Authors: G Aleo; A Bagnasco; E Cozzani; A Parodi; S P CannavÒ; R Watson; M Hayter; L Geddes; G Catania; M Zanini; L Sasso Journal: J Prev Med Hyg Date: 2020-07-04