Objective: We sought to evaluate the efficacy of using a quick response (QR) code within video education to guide proper use of fentanyl transdermal patches and control pain, depression, and anxiety levels in cancer patients.
Methods: Patients using a fentanyl transdermal patch for the first time were enrolled in the study and then given an information leaflet as well as an informed consent form. We asked them to complete the first questionnaire (Q1) prior to first use of the fentanyl transdermal patch, and then used a random number table to randomize those who completed it into two groups. Participants in group A received a QR code (to make it easier for them to obtain additional video information) and a traditional information leaflet, whereas those in group B (control group) only received a traditional information leaflet. Thereafter, we requested all participants to complete standard questionnaires, which comprised a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), a Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), as well as a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The resulting continuous (with a normal distribution) and categorical data were analyzed using Student’s t- and chi-square tests, respectively. We also recorded parameters such as NRS, STAI, and HADS, as well as the frequency of rescue medication in both groups.
Results: A total of 154 cancer patients who first used a fentanyl transdermal patch were recruited during the study period, from April to May 2020. Among these, 138 completed follow-up, with 70 and 68 in group A and B, respectively. Participants in both groups had similar baseline and clinical characteristics, whereas significant differences were observed between the groups with regard to the other parameters. Specifically, participants in group A recorded a lower STAI state (38.2 vs 38.9, P=0.027) and HADS (3.9 vs 4.2, P=0.001) anxiety scores, as well as NRS (2.1 vs 2.4, P=0.025) and frequency of rescue medication (0.4 vs 1.4, P< 0.001) than those in group B, following 14 days of using a fentanyl transdermal patch.
Conclusion: Our results indicated that incorporating a QR code within additional video education leads to proper use of a fentanyl transdermal patch and relieves pain and anxiety levels in patients with cancer. Based on this, we recommend a new style of education during care of cancer patients who first use a fentanyl transdermal patch.

Keywords: QR code, video education, fentanyl transdermal patch, anxiety, depression


中文翻译：

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视频教育可降低首次使用芬太尼透皮贴剂的癌症患者的疼痛和焦虑水平：一项随机对照试验。

目的：我们试图评估在视频教育中使用快速响应 (QR) 代码来指导正确使用芬太尼透皮贴剂和控制癌症患者疼痛、抑郁和焦虑水平的效果。
方法：首次使用芬太尼透皮贴剂的患者被纳入研究，然后获得信息传单和知情同意书。我们要求他们在首次使用芬太尼透皮贴剂之前完成第一份问卷（Q1），然后使用随机数字表将完成问卷的人随机分为两组。A组的参与者收到了一个二维码（以便他们更容易获得额外的视频信息）和传统的信息传单，而B组（对照组）的参与者只收到了传统的信息传单。此后，我们要求所有参与者完成标准问卷，其中包括数字评定量表（NRS）、斯皮尔伯格状态特征焦虑量表（STAI）以及医院焦虑和抑郁量表（HADS）。t - 和卡方检验，分别。我们还记录了两组的 NRS、STAI 和 HADS 等参数，以及急救药物的频率。
结果：研究期间，从 2020 年 4 月至 2020 年 5 月，共招募了 154 名首次使用芬太尼透皮贴剂的癌症患者。其中 138 人完成了随访，其中 A 组和 B 组分别为 70 人和 68 人。两组的参与者具有相似的基线和临床特征，而在其他参数方面，两组之间存在显着差异。具体而言，A 组参与者的 STAI 状态（38.2 对 38.9，P = 0.027）和 HADS（3.9 对 4.2，P = 0.001）焦虑评分以及 NRS（2.1 对 2.4，P= 0.025）和抢救药物的频率（0.4 vs 1.4，P < 0.001）在使用芬太尼透皮贴剂 14 天后比 B 组。
结论：我们的结果表明，在额外的视频教育中加入二维码可以正确使用芬太尼透皮贴剂，并减轻癌症患者的疼痛和焦虑水平。基于此，我们建议在首次使用芬太尼透皮贴剂的癌症患者的护理过程中采用一种新的教育方式。

关键词：二维码，视频教育，芬太尼透皮贴剂，焦虑，抑郁