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The effects of informational audiotapes on knowledge and self-care behaviors of patients undergoing radiation therapy.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES
To develop and test the effects of informational audiotapes on knowledge and management of side effects in subjects undergoing radiation therapy.


DESIGN
Post-test-only control group design.


SETTING
A large urban radiation oncology department.


SAMPLE
Seventy-five adult patients (with a mean age of 53 years) who were receiving radiation therapy.


METHODS
Subjects were randomized into control and experimental groups. The control group received the facility's standard care, while the experimental group received the standard care and also listened to informational audiotapes. Patients completed a demographic data form, a knowledge test, and the Radiation Side Effects Profile (RSEP).


MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES
Number and severity of side effects, self-care measures used to manage the side effects, and helpfulness of these measures.


FINDINGS
Patients in the experimental group were more knowledgeable about radiation therapy and its side effects, used more self-care measures, and practiced more helpful self-care behaviors than control group subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
Audiotapes are an effective strategy for teaching self-care practices to patients undergoing radiation therapy.


IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE
An important role of the nurse is to assess clients for side effects of treatment and provide the knowledge necessary for patients to become active participants in their care. Use of audiotapes ensured that patients received the information they needed at times and places that were convenient to them.