Virtual vs Telephone Education for Breast Cancer
(VIPER-RT Trial)
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.12345Why 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.678910
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
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
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
Radiotherapy Treatment
Participants undergo radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for procedural fears, concerns, and anxiety levels after treatment
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?
2
Treatment groups
Active Control
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
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
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University Health Network, Toronto
Lead Sponsor
Citations
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 ...
Virtual integration of patient education in radiotherapy ...
Patients were highly satisfied with videoconferencing for virtual patient education. •. Radiation Therapists reported videoconferencing and in- ...
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-combinedFeasibility 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 ...
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.
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 ...
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 ...
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.
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 ...
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.
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