Addressing the information needs of patients with prostate cancer: A literature review

Abstract

Psychosocial support is a cornerstone in the holistic care of cancer patients. The provision of information is a key tool in the psychosocial management of the cancer patient, and it is important that the therapy radiographer is cognizant of the patient's need for information. This article reviews the importance of information to the psychosocial well-being of cancer patients in general, with specific emphasis on patients with prostate cancer. The information services at a large Canadian cancer facility are also reviewed to gain some insight into how the needs of patients with prostate cancer are addressed at the author's workplace. Most patients with prostate cancer have an expressed need for considerable amounts of information at various stages of their cancer journey. The provision of information has a range of benefits to the prostate patient such as helping the patient deal with their diagnosis, assisting with the decision-making process and reducing anxiety. Interpersonal sources of information such as face-to-face communication with the oncologist or radiation therapist are preferred by many patients, including patients with prostate cancer. Other sources that include the internet and written hospital material are also used with varying degrees of effectiveness to deliver information. The provision of quality information in a timely and effective manner cannot be taken for granted. Access to appropriate information resources can be impeded because of poorly designed information material, inadequate communication, ineffective signposting, resource constraints and lack of knowledge/comprehension on the part of frontline health-care workers dealing with the patient. Radiation therapists are encouraged to be advocates for their patients information needs and to be involved in initiatives that will improve the quality, dissemination and efficacy of information. © Cambridge University Press 2009.