Six-month follow-up of effects of an information programme for patients with malignant melanoma

Using a randomized design, the effects of an information programme for melanoma patients were studied. The programme consisted of a group meeting and a brochure. The present study reports on the six-month follow-up of the effects of the programme. A total of 128 patients participated in the programme, 55 before and 73 after the first medical control visit. Questionnaires regarding knowledge about melanoma, psychological and psychosomatic variables were completed at the first medical control visit and six months later by mail. A questionnaire concerning patients attitudes to the programme was included after six months. Knowledge about melanoma increased and a majority of patients were satisfied with the information brochure, the group meeting and the group leader, but 40% considered that too few participants attended in their group meeting. No effects on psychological or psychosomatic variables were found. Men and women participated to the same extent.