Information on video format can help patients with localised prostate cancer to be partners in decision making

A video was produced to inform men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer of the different management options for their disease. It was tested for increased knowledge and understanding on a healthy population of similar age (n=10), who were assessed before and after watching the video (20 interviews). The video was then shown to 12 men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer but had not started any treatment for their disease (24 interviews). Interviews among the healthy cohort revealed not only the lack of knowledge of anatomy and physiology but also the way in which these men used past experiences to help explain and remember complex medical procedures. The patients focused on the treatments and outcomes, remembering less of the technicalities. All men interviewed vividly remembered the patients participating in the video; they drew inferences and developed affinity towards specific individuals. Both groups felt that video provided information in a user friendly way. Although remembering few anatomical terms all participants described a visual image that led to a perception of understanding rather than a definitive increase in knowledge. Patients, however, felt they had a clearer understanding of the disease and its treatment, and therefore better able to be active informed partners in the decision-making process.