Background
Ocular melanoma is a rare disease with limited information available to help patients understand what to expect during the stages of their cancer care, from diagnosis through to treatment.
Plaque brachytherapy is the most common treatment for ocular melanoma. This involves an inpatient stay and two surgical operations. There is a recognised lack of accessible information for this patient cohort coupled with a new cancer diagnosis, the prospect of this procedure can unnecessarily heighten patient anxiety.
Method
A modified co-design methodology was adopted with a broad representation from clinicians and consumers with lived experience engaged to contribute to the content development of patient information. Reflecting best practice, the project undertook a multimedia approach to the patient education resources. Studies have shown that use of images in combination with text or personal conversation can help improve comprehension and understanding of difficult topics. This can be especially useful for clinicians attempting to explain complex medical interventions such as plaque brachytherapy, to patients.
Expected Results
There are approximately 50 plaque brachytherapy procedures performed each year at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (Eye and Ear), which accounts for approximately 50% of all oncology-related procedures performed. These resources will be integrated into existing clinical workflows, with 100% of identified patients in receipt of the education package.
Conclusions
By addressing the specific needs of this patient cohort, healthcare providers can enhance the overall patient experience, improve treatment adherence, and support mental well-being throughout the cancer care continuum. Creating accessible informational resources is imperative to ensure patients are informed and supported as they confront the complexities of their diagnosis and treatment.