Time, space and technology in radiotherapy departments: how do these factors impact on patients' experiences of radiotherapy?

Abstract

Radiation therapists (RTs) plan and deliver radiotherapy treatment for patients diagnosed with cancer. They need to communicate regularly with their patients and may have a role to play in reducing patient anxiety and distress. The objectives were to explore how the environment of radiotherapy departments supports or inhibits communication generally and information giving and supportive care provision in particular. An ethnographic approach was used to gather rich descriptive data through observations and interviews conducted in two Australian radiotherapy centres. Time, space and a technology driven culture was found to negatively affect the quality of interaction that occurred between RTs and their patients. This research has shown design/modification of spaces is needed in the radiotherapy environment to reflect a patient care centred culture and to enhance opportunities for RTs to provide supportive care for their patients.

Being in safe hands: Patients’ perceptions of how cancer services may support psychological well‐being

“…Potential barriers to effective professional‐patient exchanges were identified in this study. Staff who were viewed as too busy or who occupied technical roles were considered less likely to deal with psycho‐social concerns, however all professionals have a key role in reducing patients’ anxiety and distress (Lavergne, Taylor, Gillies, & Barisic, ; Merchant, O'Connor, & Halkett, ). Our findings highlight the importance of all staff being aware of their overall demeanour and its effect on patients’ well‐being.…”

A longitudinal study on anxiety, depressive and adjustment disorder, suicide ideation and symptoms of emotional distress in patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy

“…Mental disorders and emotional distress may not be properly diagnosed by oncologists; hence it is important to educate oncologists in order to improve their ability to identify patient distress, as suggested by Söllner et al [35]. Adequate information, communication, and assessment of patients by radiation therapists from the beginning of radiotherapy have a beneficial effect in the reduction of emotional distress in the patients, as demonstrated by Merchant et al [36]. It is important to evaluate/assess the distress emotional at different time points in the course of radiotherapy treatment through appropriate detection tests.…”

Radiation therapy patient education using VERT: combination of technology with human care

“…The first is the conversion of complex and unfamiliar descriptions to lay terminology. Secondly, time and staff restrictions exist for education within a clinical environment, where equipment and resources are often prioritised for clinical patient use . Radiation is imperceptible, which means that the public's ability to conceptualise radiation is compromised and often leads to a lack of understanding.…”