Structured patient information in radiotherapy departments in Europe
Résumé
With the help of ESTRO, we performed a survey to evaluate the present status and means in information given to patients treated by radiotherapy. A short questionnaire was sent to 746 European heads of departments with a request to send specific documents used for informing the patients. Within 2 months (march and april 1996), we received 290 answers (39%) and 97 centers send 298 documents. Methods : analysis of the questionnary and the documents was performed quantitatively with uusual statistical methods and qualitatively with a socio-anthropological method of content analysis. Results : Analysis of the questionnaire shows the major role of the radiation oncologist in giving information and writing documents. The 298 different samples sent from 97 centres represent a wide panel with a booklet of general information (59 booklets /57 centers), practical advice and specific explanations (177 documents/ 49 centers) and informed consent (36 documents/28 centers). the anthropological study was centred on the way information was given, evaluation of the patient'sunderstanding and qualitative analysis of documents sent. Conclusion : the high rate of response (40 %) of this survey shows the general interest for radiation therapy staffs on patient information. However, this preliminary survey needs to be completed by a study, including the patient's point of view and needs, about the information given.