New videos launch to ease cancer patient concerns

21 Aug 2019

21 August 2019 

The videos were produced by St John of God Murdoch Hospital as a result of the Centre of Nursing and Midwifery’s Research study into patient needs during and following treatment.

Supported by the University of Notre Dame, the research involving 120 patients found they shared common experiences such as anxiety, uncertainty about the future, financial concerns and physical symptoms such as fatigue and loss of appetite.

As a result, a series of videos addressing these concerns have been produced.

The videos were launched at an event held at the Hospital on Monday 19 August giving everyone involved the first opportunity the view them.

Professor Leanne Monterosso said the research team worked closely with patients, Cancer Centre nurses, oncologists, pharmacists, pastoral practitioners, patient care assistants, volunteers and patients to develop the videos.

Dr Gail Ross-Adjie explained that Murdoch was committed to using real life patients, carers and caregivers rather than actors in the videos.

“The aim of the educational videos is to introduce our patients to the Cancer Centre, explain the common side effects of treatments and how to manage them, how to live as well as possible, and answer some of the common concerns patients will have throughout their cancer experience,” she said.

Professor Leanne Monterosso from Murdoch said the Research Centre was proud to launch the videos, which will assist Cancer Centre patients, their families and friends.

“A person’s cancer journey can be a daunting and often emotional period, and these are great tools that people can access via the internet anywhere in the world to provide some assistance during this challenging time,” she said.

“We would like to thank everyone involved in the project who gave their time so generously.”