Do radiation therapists feel able to routinely screen for symptoms and distress in people with cancer: barriers impacting practice

Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences

Haryana Dhillon¹  Afaf Girgis²  Georgia Halkett³  Belinda L. Arnold⁴ 

[1] Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence‐based Decision‐making School of Psychology Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Camperdown New South Wales Australia;Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation (CONCERT) Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research UNSW Sydney Liverpool New South Wales Australia;Curtin School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences Curtin University Bentley Western Australia Australia;Wollongong Hospital Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District Wollongong New South Wales Australia;

关键词: Attitude;    education;    emotional cues;    psychosocial support;    radiation therapist;    role;   

DOI  :  10.1002/jmrs.465

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Introduction This study aimed to evaluate radiation therapists’ (RTs) perceptions regarding the perceived barriers, knowledge, attitudes, confidence and role in administering an electronic screening tool to routinely screen for cancer patients’ symptoms and distress. Methods RTs at two radiation therapy departments completed a cross‐sectional paper/pen survey to assess their demographic and workplace characteristics, perceptions of barriers, knowledge, attitudes, confidence and opinion of their role in symptom and distress screening. Responses were evaluated using simple frequencies and free‐text responses using thematic analysis. Results Of 39 RTs approached, 37 (95%) participated. The majority had not previously attended any emotional cues (77%) or psychosocial training (86%); 68% reported confidence discussing psychosocial concerns and recognising signs of anxiety and depression in patients, and 65% felt discussing patients’ psychosocial concerns was part of their role. Administering the tool to patients was agreed to be the role of RTs by 38% of participants. Lack of education about psychosocial issues was the highest‐ranked barrier to delivering the patient screening tool, with 74% of RTs responding ‘it has made it difficult’. Conclusion Whilst RTs are willing to play a role in patients’ psychosocial support, they do not feel able to fulfil this role adequately because they lacked knowledge and confidence to administer symptom and distress screening. This research has highlighted the need for RT education on psychosocial concerns and recognising and responding to emotional cues. Understanding the impact education may have on the knowledge, attitude, confidence and role of RTs performing routine symptom and distress screening is required.

【 授权许可】

Unknown