Key Insights and Implementation of a Patient-Centered Education Video For Managing Acute Radiation Dermatitis in Breast Cancer: A Single-Center Pilot Study.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop an educational tool to improve breast cancer patients' understanding of radiation therapy (RT) and analyze its usage.

Methods And Materials: A single-arm trial was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Taiwan with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients scheduled for RT. Patients viewed a 4-minute educational video explaining RT mechanisms, self-care for irradiated skin, treatment precautions, and radiation dermatitis toxicity grading. A QR code provided video access. The Skindex-16 (traditional Chinese version) questionnaire assessed skin reactions before, during, and after RT. A satisfaction survey was also administered post-RT.

Results: Of the 57 enrolled patients, 51 completed the study. Most found the video satisfactory (90.2%) and easy to understand (86.3%). The video provided emotional support (90.2%) and reduced anxiety (84.3%). Nearly all patients (96.1%) found the QR code helpful. Skindex-16 outcomes indicated increasing discomfort throughout treatment, with a significant rise midway through RT. Patient characteristics, such as age, education, occupation, and social support, were not correlated with satisfaction, emotional support efficacy, or video-watching frequency. Subgroup analysis showed no significant differences in Skindex-16 scores between conventional and hypofractionated RT. Most patients (82.4%) watched the video most frequently during the first 2 weeks of RT, with 25.5% replaying it when dermatitis worsened.

Conclusions: The in-house educational video enhanced patients' understanding of RT and provided emotional support, with efficacy unaffected by patient characteristics or fractionation. Patients valued QR code access. The timing of watching the video was crucial. Continuous, accessible educational materials were important as symptoms worsened at the first follow-up. This study paved the way for future clinical trials and educational tools for breast cancer patients in radiation oncology departments.