Evaluating the Feasibility of Educational Videos in a Medical Oncology Sarcoma Clinic to Improve Patient Knowledge and Satisfaction.

Abstract

The first medical oncology visit is a pivotal step for sarcoma patients in their cancer journey and may often be accompanied by negative feelings such as anxiety, vulnerability and loss of control. Early, tailored education before the visit with the medical oncologist may enhance understanding of diagnosis and treatment, aid decision-making, and reduce distress. Newly diagnosed English speaking sarcoma patients were asked to watch four short videos (educational intervention, EI) that were created for the purpose of this study focusing on the initial consultation, multidisciplinary team, systemic therapy and clinical trials. The main objective was feasibility, defined as successful delivery of the intervention and completion of the study procedures. Impact on knowledge was assessed by a knowledge quiz. Perceptions of diagnosis were assessed by surveys administered pre and post the EI. Improvement was measured using paired t-test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and McNemar tests. Twenty patients were enrolled between May and December 2025. Most participants were aged >50 years (75%), female (55%) and had a university or higher degree of education (65%). In the knowledge quiz, knowledge improved in 8/11 questions post EI. In Survey 2, improvements were seen in the proportion of patients feeling that they had enough information on diagnosis (30 vs 10% of patients, p<0.004), sarcoma team (80 vs 5%, p<0.001), treatment options (55 vs 5%, p<0.001), administration of treatment (95 vs 10%, p<0.001), goals of care (45 vs 5%, p=0.001), toxicities (80 vs 15%, p<0.001) and clinical trials (90 vs 15%, p<0.001). Patients found the videos helpful (90%) and easy to understand (95%). At Survey 2, patients felt more informed (65 vs 5% of patients, p<0.001), more prepared (35 vs 10%, p=0.18) and less anxious (75 vs 40%, p=0.039). At Survey 3, administered after the oncology consultation, further significant improvements were seen in patient-reported perceptions and understanding of their disease. After EI, an increased proportion of patients felt hopeful about the future (Survey 2: 70 vs 45%, p= 0.029; Survey 3: 70 vs 45%, p= 0.071). The delivery of sarcoma specific EI to newly diagnosed patients before their initial medical oncology consultation is feasible. Preliminary findings show increased knowledge of sarcoma and its management, and increased optimism about the future. (NCT06805773).