Development and evaluation of a combined story and fact-based educational booklet for patients with multiple brain metastases and their caregivers.

ABSTRACT

The aim of our study was to design and evaluate the impact on informational satisfaction of a combined story and fact-based educational booklet designed for patients with multiple brain metastases. Phase A evaluated the preference of participants for combined, fact, or story-based writing style. Based on these results, a resource was developed using a combined story and fact-based approach. Patients with newly diagnosed brain metastases and their caregivers read the booklet. Satisfaction was evaluated using the Information Satisfaction Questionnaire and Client Satisfaction Questionnaire. Anxiety was evaluated before and after reading using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory. Ninety-one patients participated in this study. In Phase A, 51% of patients expressed a preference for the combined story and fact-based approach. In phase B, participants expressed high satisfaction for both the informational content and the overall satisfaction towards the pamphlet. The level of anxiety before reading the booklet was lower for caregivers than patients. Anxiety score was increased in the caregiver group after reading the booklet. This was unchanged in the patient group. Both patients and caregivers endorsed the resource. The increase in anxiety in caregivers suggests the tool has been effective in conveying serious prognostic implications.