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The Development and Evaluation of a Patient Educational Resource for Cancer-Related Cognitive Dysfunction

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Abstract

Cancer patients and survivors frequently experience cognitive deficits, including problems with attention and memory. These symptoms, referred to as cancer-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD), are associated with distress. Learning about CRCD and self-management strategies may improve functioning and quality of life in cancer survivors. This study describes the development and evaluation of a CRCD resource for cancer patients. An educational booklet was developed in accordance with multiple evidence-based guidelines for cancer patient education. Cancer patients on chemotherapy (N = 113; 34% men; median age 55, range 19–85) reviewed the booklet and self-reported CRCD knowledge before and after reading the booklet. They also gave ratings on general impressions of the booklet. Seventy-five percent of participants reported that the resource increased their self-reported CRCD knowledge. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test demonstrated that exposure to the booklet elicited a statistically significant change in self-reported knowledge (Z = − 7.13, p < 0.001). A repeated-measures ANCOVA determined that the means of self-reported CRCD knowledge were significantly different between pre- and post-exposure (F(1, 92) = 7.96, p = 0.006, η2 = 0.08). Exploratory analyses revealed that self-reported CRCD knowledge increased across all educational attainment levels from pre- to post-exposure. Ninety-one percent of participants reported that all patients undergoing cancer treatment would find this booklet helpful. Cancer patients at risk for cognitive challenges gained self-reported CRCD knowledge from the booklet, and they think this knowledge would be helpful to others. A resource that makes CRCD understandable and manageable can bridge the gap in self-rated knowledge across education levels.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada

    Eleenor H Abraham, Bilal Khan & Lori J Bernstein

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada

    Eleenor H Abraham

  3. Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

    Erick Ling

  4. Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

    Lori J Bernstein

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  1. Eleenor H Abraham
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Correspondence to Lori J Bernstein.

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This study was approved by the University Health Network Research Ethics Board. All participants provided informed consent.

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Abraham, E.H., Khan, B., Ling, E. et al. The Development and Evaluation of a Patient Educational Resource for Cancer-Related Cognitive Dysfunction. J Canc Educ 37, 111–119 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-020-01793-3

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