The Effect of Video-Assisted Education Prior Intrathecal Chemotherapy on Anxiety and Knowledge Enhancement.

Intrathecal chemotherapy procedures are stressful to patients and caregivers, especially the first time. Providing the patient and caregiver with sufficient information to address their concerns before the scheduled procedure is necessary. This study aims to determine whether the use of video instructions could enhance learning outcomes and decrease anxiety levels in patients' caregivers. A prospective trial was conducted in pediatric hematology for 1 year. Thirty-seven respondents were randomly assigned to two groups wherein one group was given conventional educational leaflets and verbal instructions, while the other group received the same information through an educational video presentation before the intrathecal chemotherapy procedure. Knowledge enhancement in the two groups was evaluated using the summative assessment method and measured by a 10-point Likert scale. The validated Arabic version of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scale was used to assess anxiety levels. The anxiety level (12.31 ± 8.84) in the video presentation group was significantly higher than that in the conventional group (6.16 ± 5.91). Similarly, the overall Beck scale score revealed that palpitation, frightening, lightheadedness, and hot/cold sweat levels were decreased in the video presentation group. Additionally, a significant difference in knowledge enhancement was noted between the two groups, as knowledge enhancement in the video presentation group (7.61 ± 1.88) was better than that in the conventional group (6.00 ± 1.00). This produced a domino effect on the anxiety level scores of both groups. An educational video presentation before the intrathecal chemotherapy procedure is effective since both visual and auditory senses are involved. This could be considered a good source of an interventional approach before a therapeutic procedure.

The Effect of Satellite Laboratory Installation on Chemotherapy Waiting Time in an Oncology Treatment Unit.

Background Timely treatment is a patient's right. Increasing the efficiency of laboratory testing could potentially improve hospital operations, provide quicker access to health services, and have a positive impact on patient experience. Installation of a satellite laboratory may shorten laboratory turnaround time (TAT) and chemotherapy waiting time. Method The laboratory TAT and chemotherapy waiting time were analyzed and compared before and three years after the establishment of the satellite laboratory. Result The mean laboratory TAT decreased from one hour and 30 minutes at baseline in 2012 to 43, 43, and 37 minutes in 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively; a reduction rate of 59%. Mean chemotherapy waiting time also reduced, from a 2012 baseline of 252 minutes to 170, 157, and 146 minutes in 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively; a reduction rate of 42%. Conclusion The reduced chemotherapy waiting time after the installation of a satellite laboratory had a positive impact on patient care. It also reduced employee workload and maximized the utilization of hospital resources.