Introduction: Most cancer patients want to be informed as much as possible. We conducted a randomized trial comparing the impact of additional written information to oral information only on quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction of non-small cell lung cancer patients.
Patients and methods: Non-small cell lung cancer patients undergoing thoracic surgery were eligible. Patients were randomized to receive oral information only or oral plus written information describing the disease and its associated surgery and outcomes. QoL was assessed by Psychologic Global Well-Being Index. Patients' satisfaction was assessed by questionnaire of satisfaction of hospitalized patients.
Results: One-hundred two patients were included, full data were available for 75 of them (10 early deaths, 4 lost to follow-up, and 13 with incomplete questionnaires). QoL scores (baseline, 3 months) were comparable between both groups. In contrast, patients receiving oral plus written information were significantly dissatisfied with regard to several aspects of care regarding staffs as well as the structure. The information group significantly influenced satisfaction levels at multivariate analysis (standardized beta coefficient, -0.26, p = 0.04).
Conclusions: Unexpectedly, at the end of their hospital stay, patients receiving both oral and written information experienced a statistically significant lower level of satisfaction, whereas no difference in QoL between both groups were highlighted. Further research is needed on patient's information.