Improving Patient Education for Lymphoma and Leukemia Inpatients

Improving Patient Education for Newly Diagnosed Lymphoma and Acute Leukemia Inpatients

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of a structured, DVD educational intervention about what to expect during inpatient treatment of a newly diagnosed cancer. The focus of the study will be newly diagnosed lymphoma and acute leukemia patients and their family members. Outcome variables will be the patient and family member's satisfaction with inpatient teaching and anxiety about inpatient treatment.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of a structured, DVD educational intervention about what to expect during inpatient treatment of a newly diagnosed cancer. The focus of the study will be newly diagnosed lymphoma and acute leukemia patients and their family members. Outcome variables will be the patient and family member's satisfaction with inpatient teaching and anxiety about inpatient treatment.

The experimental group will watch a DVD educational presentation of information about unit routines and activities; leukemia/lymphoma; treatment modalities and procedures; treatment of side effects; and patient and family members activities of importance to prevent infection and promote well-being during cancer treatment.

Participants in the control group will receive usual educational teaching by their assigned nursing staff.

Inclusion Criteria:

For participants admitted for suspect diagnosis of leukemia or lymphoma:

• Admission to the hematology/leukemia unit (6E) at Emory University Hospital with a suspected or actual new diagnosis of leukemia or lymphoma within the past 24 hours
• English-speaking
• Completed education to at least the 6th grade level
• No significant auditory or visual deficits with corrective devices
• No central nervous system involvement of disease
• Physiologically stable
• Not at end of life
• No alterations in mental status
• Agrees to family member (family member; significant other; friend) participation in study and to selecting the individual who could participate

For Family Members:

• Willing to view DVD and read education booklet
• Selected by patient to participate
• English speaking
• No significant auditory or visual deficits with corrective devices
• No alterations in mental status
• Completed education to at least the 6th grade level

Exclusion Criteria:

• At end of life
• Altered mental status
• Significant auditory or visual deficits with corrective devices