Effect of audiovisual cancer programs on patients and families.

Four new audiovisual programs about cancer and cancer treatment were evaluated. A total of 240 cancer patients, their families, and their friends were asked to complete self-report questionnaires before and after watching a program to determine the effects of the program on their knowledge of cancer, anxiety levels, and perceived ability to communicate with the staff. Education and race were the only demographic or medical variables that contributed to knowledge scores. Patients' anxiety levels were significantly lower than those of families. Neither anxiety nor knowledge was a function of time from diagnosis. This study demonstrates that audiovisual programs can effectively increase patients' understanding of their disease, decrease anxiety, and facilitate communication with staff.