P Humphrey1, C Bennett2, F Cramp3. 1. Bristol Cancer Institute, Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, Horfield Road, Bristol, BS2 8ED, UK. Electronic address: Pauline.humphrey@uhbristol.nhs.uk. 2. Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, Glenside Campus, University of the West of England, Blackberry Hill, Bristol, BS16 1DD, UK. Electronic address: Claire7.bennett@uwe.ac.uk. 3. Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, Glenside Campus, University of the West of England, Blackberry Hill, Bristol, BS16 1DD, UK. Electronic address: Fiona.cramp@uwe.ac.uk.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To determine women's experiences of brachytherapy for cervical cancer. KEY FINDINGS: Nineteen studies were included for data extraction/synthesis. Twelve studies focussed on psychological issues, seven on pharmacological aspects of women's experiences. Themes of anxiety, distress, pain, informational needs and non-pharmacological interventions were found. Nine out of ten psychological studies described brachytherapy as a distressing experience causing anxiety and distress for most women. Non-pharmacological interventions were found to be effective and inexpensive adjuncts. Peri and post-operative pharmacological management was variable, but duration of procedure was an important factor. CONCLUSION: Brachytherapy for gynaecological cancer causes varying levels of pain, anxiety and distress. To improve women's experiences there needs to be better pain management, patient information and the development of non-pharmacological interventions. Future recommendations are to develop clinical support guidelines, audit the quality of services and develop effective interventions to improve women's experiences of brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer.
OBJECTIVES: To determine women's experiences of brachytherapy for cervical cancer. KEY FINDINGS: Nineteen studies were included for data extraction/synthesis. Twelve studies focussed on psychological issues, seven on pharmacological aspects of women's experiences. Themes of anxiety, distress, pain, informational needs and non-pharmacological interventions were found. Nine out of ten psychological studies described brachytherapy as a distressing experience causing anxiety and distress for most women. Non-pharmacological interventions were found to be effective and inexpensive adjuncts. Peri and post-operative pharmacological management was variable, but duration of procedure was an important factor. CONCLUSION: Brachytherapy for gynaecological cancer causes varying levels of pain, anxiety and distress. To improve women's experiences there needs to be better pain management, patient information and the development of non-pharmacological interventions. Future recommendations are to develop clinical support guidelines, audit the quality of services and develop effective interventions to improve women's experiences of brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer.