Virtual vs Telephone Education for Breast Cancer

(VIPER-RT Trial)

Overseen By Michael Velec, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto

Disqualifiers: Previous radiotherapy treatment

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the best way to prepare breast cancer patients for radiotherapy. It aims to determine if a videoconferencing session for pre-treatment education can reduce fears and concerns more effectively than a standard phone call. Participants will receive either a 45-minute video call or a 30-minute phone call to discuss what to expect during radiotherapy. The trial seeks patients who are about to start radiotherapy for breast cancer, have not undergone radiotherapy before, and have access to a device with internet, a microphone, and a camera. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to enhance patient education and support before radiotherapy.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that videoconferencing for pre-treatment education is safe for breast cancer patients?

Research has shown that telehealth, such as video calls, provides a safe and effective way to support breast cancer care. Studies have found that digital health tools enhance patient understanding and satisfaction. Users of these tools have reported improved communication and reduced anxiety about their treatments.

While no specific safety data exists for the video call software used in this trial, the study focuses on education rather than medical treatment, presenting no known physical risks. Other studies have reported positive reception of video calls for medical education, with no major issues.

In summary, using video calls for pre-treatment education is considered safe and aims to increase patient comfort with their care. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how different educational methods can impact patients undergoing breast cancer treatment. The trial compares virtual education through videoconferencing with traditional telephone education. Videoconferencing allows for a more interactive and engaging experience, where patients can see visual aids and the radiation therapist simultaneously. This method could potentially enhance understanding and reduce anxiety about radiotherapy compared to standard telephone calls. The trial aims to discover if this technology-driven approach improves patient outcomes and satisfaction, offering a new way to support patients through their treatment journey.

What evidence suggests that videoconferencing is effective for reducing procedural fears and concerns in breast cancer patients?

Research shows that video calls for patient education can be very effective. In this trial, participants in the Videoconferencing Arm will receive a 45-minute pre-treatment education session led by a radiation therapist via video call. Patients who learned through video calls reported feeling more satisfied, better prepared, and had fewer worries about their upcoming treatments. Other studies have found that virtual education helps patients understand their treatment better, reducing anxiety and boosting confidence. These findings suggest that video calls could improve the experience for breast cancer patients preparing for radiotherapy. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for breast cancer patients about to undergo radiotherapy. Participants must be willing to use videoconferencing software or telephone for pre-treatment education and complete questionnaires at specified times. The study excludes details on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Inclusion Criteria

I am undergoing intensive radiotherapy for breast cancer.

I am 18 years old or older.

Access to an internet connected device with a microphone and camera

Exclusion Criteria

I have undergone radiotherapy treatment before.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Pre-Treatment Education

Participants receive pre-treatment education via videoconferencing or telephone to explain upcoming radiotherapy treatment, side-effects, appointment logistics, and answer patient questions

1 day

1 session (virtual or telephone)

Radiotherapy Treatment

Participants undergo radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer

6-8 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for procedural fears, concerns, and anxiety levels after treatment

4 weeks

3 assessments (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Videoconferencing Software for Pre-Treatment Education

Trial Overview Researchers are testing if videoconferencing calls led by a radiation therapist can better reduce procedural fears, concerns, and anxiety in breast cancer patients compared to standard telephone calls. Patient satisfaction will also be measured through questionnaires completed at three different stages of treatment.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Videoconferencing Arm Active Control 1 Intervention

45 minute radiation therapist-led pre-treatment education with a videoconferencing call to explain upcoming radiotherapy treatment, side-effects, appointment logistics and answer patient questions

Group II: Standard Care Arm Active Control 1 Intervention

30 minute radiation therapist-led pre-treatment education with a telephone call to explain upcoming radiotherapy treatment, side-effects, appointment logistics and answer patient questions

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University Health Network, Toronto

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,555

Recruited

526,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07255196

Virtual Vs Telephone Education in Radiotherapy (VIPER-RT) The investigators hypothesize that the use of videoconferencing will decrease breast cancer patients' procedural concerns more than using ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9464898/

Virtual integration of patient education in radiotherapy ... Patients were highly satisfied with videoconferencing for virtual patient education. •. Radiation Therapists reported videoconferencing and in- ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405632423000033

Using virtual reality to prepare patients for radiotherapy Virtual reality methods in standard educational sessions can enhance cancer patients' preparation for radiation therapy by increasing their understanding of ...

4. ons.org ons.org/publications-research/onf/48/3/feasibility-breast-radiation-therapy-video-education-combined

Feasibility of Breast Radiation Therapy Video Education ... Objectives: To determine the feasibility of incorporating a brief animated educational video shown during the radiation therapy (RT) consultation appointment ...

5. advancesradonc.org advancesradonc.org/article/S2452-1094(25)00018-1/fulltext

Key Insights and Implementation of a Patient-Centered ... This study aimed to develop an educational tool to improve breast cancer patients' understanding of radiation therapy (RT) and analyze its usage.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12409339/

Telehealth Approach in Breast Cancer Care: A Systematic ... This review highlights the significant role of telehealth as a complementary and integrative component of breast cancer care. It can support ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0738399124002660

The immediate, intermediate, and long-term effectiveness ... Accordingly, with this review, we aim to systematically assess the effectiveness of using audiovisuals as mediated patient education for adult oncology patients ...

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12242455/

Evidence-based digital health interventions for breast ... We conducted an umbrella review to summarize the evidence on digital health interventions aimed at improving health-related outcomes for BCS.

9. ascopubs.org ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.21.01171

Electronic Health Interventions for Patients With Breast ... This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of eHealth interventions on patient-reported outcomes (quality of life [QOL], self-efficacy, and ...

10. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/20/3552

Introduction of an Educational Video to Enhance the ... This video, if viewed by breast cancer patients prior to their subsequent verbal consultation, can significantly improve patients' understanding.