A qualitative study exploring patient experiences of comfort during radiotherapy and radiographers' views of managing patient comfort during the delivery of radiotherapy

Patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment for cancer frequently express their feelings of discomfort during the procedure, especially those who require radiotherapy with extended treatment times. This problem was explored by informal questioning of patients who revealed that this is a problem and causes distress and discomfort but that it was being accepted as being part of the treatment. In healthcare, several interventions have been used to improve the comfort of patients. In radiotherapy, there have been examples where positioning or relaxation has improved the patient's comfort. Literature searches have revealed some comfort interventions that can be used during radiotherapy treatment which may be possible interventions.

With the consent of the patient, it is intended to establish the patients' experience and views of comfort and comfort management during radiotherapy. Radiographers' experiences and views of managing patient comfort during radiotherapy will also be explored. It will also be essential to explore what would be the most ideal solution to comfort management, or how comfort could be improved, from the perspective of both patients and radiographers.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients:

1. diagnosed with a malignancy;
2. aged over 18 years owing to different treatment options for children and young adults;
3. recently referred for radiotherapy, currently receiving treatment or had had radiotherapy within the previous 3 months;
4. treatment delivery time exceeding 10 minutes (the time the patient is immobilised on the radiotherapy couch).

Therapeutic radiographers:

1. practicing Therapeutic radiographers;
2. administering radiotherapy with treatment delivery times exceeding 10 minutes per radiotherapy treatment session (the time the patient is immobilised on the radiotherapy couch).

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients:

1. patients with treatment delivery time below 10 minutes;
2. unable to communicate in English.

Therapeutic Radiographers:

1. student Therapeutic radiographers,
2. no more than two radiographers from the same radiotherapy department.

Patients: any person receiving radiotherapy at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, with Therapeutic radiographers: no more than two from any radiotherapy department throughout the UK.

Access to anonymised interview transcripts on written request to UWE Bristol

10 years from production of data

Via DMPonline