Communicating the Gynecologic Brachytherapy Experience (cogbe): Clinician Perceived Benefits of a Graphic Narrative Discussion Guide

PURPOSE: Many current radiotherapy patient education materials are not patient-centered. An interprofessional team developed Communicating the Gynecologic Brachytherapy Experience (CoGBE), a graphic narrative discussion guide for cylinder, intracavitary, and interstitial high -dose-rate (HDR) gynecologic brachytherapy. This study assesses perceived clinical benefits, us-ability, and anxiety-reduction of CoGBE.METHODS AND MATERIALS: An electronic survey was sent to members of the American Brachytherapy Society. Participants were assigned to assess one of the three modality-specific CoGBE versions using a modified Systems Usability Scale (SUS), modified state-trait anxiety in-dex (mSTAI), and Likert-type questions. Free response data was analyzed using modified grounded theory.RESULTS: Median modified SUS score was 76.3 (interquartile range [IQR], 71.3 -82.5) and there were no significant differences between guide types. Median mSTAI was 40 (IQR, 40 -43.3) for all guides collectively. The cylinder guide had a significantly higher median mSTAI than the intracavitary and interstitial guides (41.6 vs. 40.0 and 40.0; p = 0.04) suggesting the cylinder guide may have less impact on reducing anxiety. Most respondents reported that CoGBE was helpful (72%), would improve patient understanding (77%) and consultation memorability (82%), and was at least moderately likely to be incorporated into their practice (80%). Qualitative analysis themes included personalization and relatability (positive); generalizability (negative); illustrations (both).CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians rate CoGBE as usable with potential to reduce patient anxiety, espe-cially with more invasive treatment modalities including intracavitary or interstitial high-dose-rate. CoGBE has the potential to improve patient-clinician communication for a wider range of patients due to its accessible, adaptable, and patient-centered design. (c) 2022 American Brachytherapy So-ciety. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.