Being referred to, and attending, the Beatson can be a daunting experience, particularly for patients who don’t know what to expect or feel overloaded with information.
The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre has launched a series of information videos designed to help cancer patients feel more prepared, informed and supported.
Being referred to, and attending, the Beatson can be a daunting experience, particularly for patients who don’t know what to expect or feel overloaded with information.
To help support patients from the moment of their diagnosis, the Beatson has created short information videos that answer some of the most common questions patients ask during their cancer journey.
Developed with clinicians and filmed at the Beatson on the Gartnavel campus, the videos aim to help patients feel more informed ahead of appointments, reduce anxiety, and support conversations with their healthcare team.
They feature award winning broadcaster Alison Walker, who covers a range of topics including: preparing for your oncology appointment, understanding neoadjuvant chemotherapy, hair loss and the cold cap, managing menopausal symptoms, and diet and lifestyle during treatment.
The videos, which were supported by a Collaborative Working Agreement with healthcare company Novartis, respond to areas where patients said they wanted more tailored guidance.
These were designed by the Breast Cancer Care Team, however many of the videos are relevant to anyone diagnosed with cancer.
A first oncology appointment can be an intense and anxious experience, with a large amount of information shared in a short space of time.
The Beatson team hopes the videos will help ease this information overload by allowing patients to access clear, trusted information in advance, at their own pace.
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This also allows valuable appointment time to be used for more personalised discussions focused on what treatment options mean for each individual patient.
The approach reflects patient feedback, with a survey finding that 53 per cent of patients looked for more information online before their first oncology appointment, and 61 per cent searched for information online during their treatment.
Of the respondents, 47 per cent felt videos would be a useful way to receive information.
Consultant Clinical Oncologist Rosemary Stevens said the videos were created directly in response to what patients told the team they needed.
She said: “We know that being diagnosed with cancer and coming to the Beatson for the first time can feel overwhelming. Patients often have many questions and may not know what to expect.
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“We asked patients what information would help them most, and these videos have been designed to fill that gap. By providing clear, specialist information in a more engaging format than a traditional leaflet, we hope to reduce anxiety ahead of appointments and help patients feel more confident and informed.
“Importantly, they don’t replace conversations with the healthcare team. Instead, they support those discussions and help free up appointment time so we can focus on the personal impact of treatment and what matters most to each patient.
“When patients have a clearer understanding of their treatment plan, many feel less anxious, highlighting the importance of accessible, trustworthy information at the right time.”
Patients are encouraged to leave feedback on the videos, which will help shape future content and ensure it continues to reflect patient needs.
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To see the videos, please visit: https://www.beatson.scot.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/information-support-services/information-videos/
Alison Walker said: “It was a real privilege to be part of such an important project and to work with the brilliant team at the Beatson.
“Being diagnosed with cancer and starting treatment can feel overwhelming, and these videos are designed to help patients feel more prepared, informed and supported at a time when they need it most. If they can help reduce even a small amount of anxiety and enable people to feel more confident ahead of their appointments, then they will have made a very real difference.”
Mohamed Tammam, UK Therapy Area Head for Solid Tumors at Novartis, said: “Novartis is proud to collaborate on these Breast Clinic Patient Information Videos, which will make a real difference for cancer patients in Glasgow and beyond.
“Clear, trusted information can help patients feel more prepared and less anxious at a challenging time. This initiative highlights the value of working collaboratively with the Beatson hospital and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to improve the experience of patients across Scotland.”
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