The Impact of Social Media-delivered Chemotherapy-related Side Effects Education for Breast Cancer Patients Receiving First Time Chemotherapy

The pharmacist-provided video education model for patients undergoing first time chemotherapy was developed. The content of the education video included the mechanism of side effects, its recognition, preventive measures, non-medical management, and further instructions when to visit hospital were included.

Patients were randomly assigned into two groups with different education strategies:

Standardized chemotherapy education +video (experimental group) versus chemotherapy handouts (control group). Every patient was asked to fill out a questionnaire prior to the implementation of the education model in both groups. The pre-test questionnaires consisted of baseline knowledge and personal information. Patients in the experimental group would receive standardized chemotherapy education by pharmacists, including chemotherapy regimen, the purpose of chemotherapy, the number of cycles, duration of chemotherapy and the common side effects of chemotherapy on the first day of chemotherapy cycle. Videos will be provided with patients and they will watch videos during the visit. The information regarding the prevention and management of side effects and further instructions when to visit hospital. Patients will have access to videos and watch videos after leaving the hospital for the entire treatment course. The education time will be last around 15 to 20 minutes. In terms of control group, pharmacists will briefly explain and provide chemotherapy handouts, including chemotherapy regimen, the purpose of chemotherapy, the number of cycles, duration of chemotherapy and the common side effects of chemotherapy. The duration of visit will be around 5 to 10 minutes. After the education section, patients will be asked to do a post-test questionnaire of their knowledge and quality of life.