Aim:
This study aimed to examine patients’ perceived sufficiency of education, the importance of information provided, and their preparedness for systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT).
Method:
This cross‑sectional study recruited participants who had undergone SACT between 2023–2025 through the Breast Cancer Network of Australia (BCNA). A 23-item online survey was administered. The first section collected demographic and treatment information and asked participants how their education was provided. The second section, participants rated the sufficiency of education received and the importance of information across eight domains of care: diagnosis and treatment goals, practical, physical, social, emotional, financial, employment and fatigue. Finally, preparedness for treatment was assessed using patient reported ratings, and two open ended questions explored experiences of preparation and the timing of information. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and open-ended responses were analysed using content analysis.
Results:
A total of 73 participants completed the survey. All participants were females, most aged between 40-59 years (n=47, 64.3%), majority had been treated in a metropolitan hospital (n=54, 74.0%), and 91.8% (n=67) had breast cancer. Nurses commonly provided additional education prior to treatment (n=50, 68.5%). Across all eight domains of care, nurse provided education consistently showed higher agreement for sufficiency than doctor/pharmacist provided education, with the largest differences seen with emotional, social, financial, restorative care and employment impacts. Across all 8 domains, the majority rated the information as extremely important. Open ended responses highlighted difficulties absorbing information, information overload, limited psychosocial guidance, and wanting information earlier.
Conclusions:
The study highlights the importance of an additional education session provided by the nurse, as nurse led education appears to better address key domains of care, including psychosocial impacts. Findings highlight the need to strengthen the timing, content and delivery of information to better prepare patients for SACT.