Sian K Smith1, Django Nathan2, Jennifer Taylor3, Eleni Van Gelder4, Ann Dixon3, Georgia K B Halkett5, Christopher Milross6, Haryana M Dhillon7. 1. Prince of Wales Clinical School, Psychosocial Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Australia; Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Electronic address: sian.smith@unsw.edu.au. 2. Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 3. Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-based Decision-making, School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 4. Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Australia. 5. Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia. 6. Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 7. Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-based Decision-making, School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Australia.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore: (i) patient perceptions of how they are involved in treatment decisions about radiation therapy; (ii) patient knowledge and understanding of treatment; and (iii) what patients value in their interactions with the radiation therapy treatment team. METHOD: Patients were recruited through radiation oncology departments at metropolitan hospital sites located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 radiation therapy patients with different types of cancer. Data were analysed using a Framework analysis to compare and contrast patient experiences. RESULTS: Most patients perceived the decision to undergo radiation therapy as agreeing to radiation oncologists recommendations rather than making a choice, but they trusted their radiation oncologist and were happy to follow their advice. Only a few participants reported their radiation oncologist had explained why radiation therapy was recommended, or discussed the benefits and harms. Some participants did not feel prepared for the intensity and disruption of side effects, and conveyed uncertainty about their diagnosis and the potential risk of recurrence. Most patients, irrespective of their type of cancer, valued the treatment team showing a genuine interest in how the treatment was effecting them, and being made to feel part of the department. CONCLUSION: Greater opportunities are needed to empower patients to ask questions about their uncertainties and concerns. Improvements in these areas will benefit patients and enable them to feel better prepared and know what to expect before and after their treatment.
PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore: (i) patient perceptions of how they are involved in treatment decisions about radiation therapy; (ii) patient knowledge and understanding of treatment; and (iii) what patients value in their interactions with the radiation therapy treatment team. METHOD:Patients were recruited through radiation oncology departments at metropolitan hospital sites located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 radiation therapy patients with different types of cancer. Data were analysed using a Framework analysis to compare and contrast patient experiences. RESULTS: Most patients perceived the decision to undergo radiation therapy as agreeing to radiation oncologists recommendations rather than making a choice, but they trusted their radiation oncologist and were happy to follow their advice. Only a few participants reported their radiation oncologist had explained why radiation therapy was recommended, or discussed the benefits and harms. Some participants did not feel prepared for the intensity and disruption of side effects, and conveyed uncertainty about their diagnosis and the potential risk of recurrence. Most patients, irrespective of their type of cancer, valued the treatment team showing a genuine interest in how the treatment was effecting them, and being made to feel part of the department. CONCLUSION: Greater opportunities are needed to empower patients to ask questions about their uncertainties and concerns. Improvements in these areas will benefit patients and enable them to feel better prepared and know what to expect before and after their treatment.
Authors: Yasamin Sharifzadeh; Alexander N Slade; Elisabeth Weiss; Arnethea L Sutton; Vanessa B Sheppard Journal: J Cancer Educ Date: 2021-06 Impact factor: 2.037