Shining a Light on Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Educational Material Reframing Patient Education Materials for a new, non-Radiation Treatment

This study describes the production of patient education material for the introduction of photodynamic therapy. In a large urban cancer centre the introduction of a non-radiation treatment modality provided a platform to introduce and evaluate new patient education material. We will discuss developing this material using interprofessional collaboration and patient feedback from the onset. A literature review provided insight into designing patient specific material to aid with the correct application and timing of the sensitizing cream required for this technique. We completed a site visit to the only Ontario center performing this treatment. Interprofessional collaboration, patient feedback and use of high definition images were utilized for the first time in developing a pilot brochure. An evaluation of the brochure using both open and closed questions to ascertain patient compliance and readability was developed. Benefits of engaging patients in the beginning of the project allowed for new insights into what patients require from their educational materials for this specific treatment. Challenges included patient literacy, and age of this patient population. An unexpected challenge was framing the experience of possible pain associated with this technique. We developed this brochure aided by feedback from patients on our site visit. Currently patients arrive three hours before their treatment to have the skin area debrided and have the sensitizing cream applied. Development of the brochure included step-by-step instructions of debriding and cream application. We used high definition photographs and easy to comprehend instructions at a suitable level of comprehension for the brochure. Patients have been able to follow the instructions allowing them to be at home and come to the cancer clinic only for their treatment. This allows for increased autonomy for our patients and saves physician and patient time. Feedback from treated patients allows us to continually improve our education material.