Abstract

The success of radical radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer relies upon obtaining accurate computed tomography (CT) imaging. Image quality is highly dependent upon patients having a full bladder and empty rectum during their scans. Therefore, it is essential that patients practice bladder training and enema administration before and throughout treatment.

Unfortunately, patients often neglect these tasks, leading to sub-optimal imaging necessitating repeated CT scanning. This increases departmental workload, patient radiation exposure, and delays treatment commencement. To address this issue, we formed a multi-disciplinary ‘RT education committee’ and held meetings to collaborate and disseminate strategies to improve patient understanding of RT.

Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) is a virtual reality software originally developed for radiographer education. We felt that it could tackle several patient issues identified by our department. We initiated a pilot project implementing the use of VERT to visually explain the RT process to patients over 12 months.

The control group (n=55) received standard pre-RT education and the VERT group (n=56) received an additional VERT education session. Data was collected prospectively from feedback questionnaires. In the control group, 49% of patients required repeat CT planning scans, compared to 34% in the VERT group (p=0.105). Patients requiring re-education of bowel and bladder preparation due to poor compliance was significantly higher for the control group, 29%, compared to 13% for the VERT group (p=0.03). 63% of patients stated that the VERT session reduced their anxiety levels. Cost analysis revealed that the calculated average savings per patient was £17.

VERT patient education reduces anxiety, improves compliance with RT preparation and reduces requirements for repeated CT scanning. Use of a virtual-reality patient education program should be considered in all RT departments nationally.