Thrombosis Nurse Practitioner St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Background: VTE is a common and significant complication in cancer patients, the leading cause of morbidity, and the second leading cause of mortality. Cancer patient awareness of VTE and its association with cancer is low. Learning needs of patients with cancer have been examined and published widely in the oncology literature, however cancer-associated-thrombosis (CAT) knowledge has not been well studied.
Aims: 1) Determine if patient education impacts awareness of VTE and its association with cancer and 2) Evaluate impact of patient educational modality on VTE knowledge and retention
Methods: 100 Thoracic clinic outpatients were targeted for participation in a patient education RCT. REB approval was obtained. Consenting participants completed questionnaires measuring baseline VTE knowledge, then randomized to i) VTE pamphlet or ii) VTE pamphlet plus a 3-minute educational video. Repeat questionnaires were administered immediately post educational intervention, and at one week (7 +/- 2 days) to determine knowledge retention.
Results: 75 of 100 patients were recruited between August 2022 and January 2023. 35 participants were randomized to pamphlet alone, and 40 to pamphlet & video. Preliminary results indicate increased awareness of VTE & cancer, and knowledge of signs & symptoms of DVT and PE, after receiving patient education. Both educational strategies were effective at increasing knowledge and awareness. Pamphlet & video participants demonstrated increased knowledge and awareness immediately post intervention, but appeared similar to pamphlet alone at one-week follow-up. Average follow-up 7.1 days, with significant retention demonstrated in both arms. 2% were LTFU. Final recruitment and results pending.
Conclusion(s): Targeted VTE education in a high-risk population resulted in increased VTE knowledge and awareness of CAT, with retention evident at one-week follow-up. Both educational strategies were effective.
