A survey of lung cancer patient-education materials.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To examine the readability and content of educational materials developed specifically for patients with lung cancer.

DATA SOURCES

Lung cancer patient-education materials identified in a survey of 54 cancer organizations and institutions and a literature review.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Only five educational resources specifically developed to address the needs of patients with lung cancer were identified. Only two addressed dyspnea, fatigue, loss of appetite, pain, risk of recurrence, sexuality, smoking cessation, rehabilitation, or palliation. None addressed reduced functional abilities resulting from disease or treatment. All of the materials reviewed were written at a reading level of 10th grade or higher.

CONCLUSIONS

Current lung cancer patient-education materials are inadequate and require advanced reading skills.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Distressing disease- and treatment-related symptoms, as well as psychological and social stressors, complicate coping with lung cancer. Existing educational resources for patients with lung cancer require modification and need to be written at more appropriate reading levels. Further research must assess and clarify the information needs of patients and determine the best method of delivering the information to patients.