ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S5901

RTT - Service evaluation, quality assurance and risk management

ESTRO 2024

Helen Melling 1 , Charlotte LH Hunting 1 , Lisa Copeland 1 , Carole Burnett 1,2,3 , Patricia Holch 4

1 Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds Cancer Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom. 2 University of Leeds, Leeds Insititute of Medical Research, Leeds, United Kingdom. 3 NIHR, Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom. 4 Leeds Beckett University, Psychology, Leeds School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Leeds, United Kingdom

Purpose/Objective:

Currently, at the end of radiotherapy in the UK many patients have an end of treatment discussion (EoTD) with a therapeutic radiographer and are given verbal or written information about potential side effects and signposted to appropriate services. However, the time spent on EoTDs and the amount of information given can vary within and between departments [1-4]. It is not clear if an EoTD addresses patient holistic needs, nor if this support is timely and appropriate [5]. To understand the requirements of the content and delivery of the EoTD we explored the information and support needs of patients undergoing radical lung radiotherapy.

Material/Methods:

From May 2021-May 2022 140 eligible patients were approached, 63 were recruited as an (opt-in) volunteer sample undergoing radical lung cancer treatment in a large Cancer Centre in Leeds UK. Although service development, the study was run in accordance with the principles of the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) Guideline for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and was funded by the College of Radiographers, UK number (CoRIPS 165). The mixed methods survey contained 81 questions, 38 multiple choice and Likert scale answer preference, and 43 open questions allowing text comments. Patients completed using two methods: pen and paper and posting back to the RT department, or online via google forms. Anonymised data was stored securely as per general data protection regulations. The survey explored the incidence and duration of post RT symptoms, financial, and emotional issues, knowledge and experience of EoTD and views on relative/carer attendance. Quantitative analyses of proportional and Likert scale data was conducted using SPSS (Version 27) and free text comments were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis [6-8].

Results:

Thirty two (51%) of the 63 consented participants completed the survey, mean age (72.66 years, s.d. 7.8) 13 (41%) female and 19 (59%) male. Seventeen (53%) were treated with stereotactic ablative treatment, 8 (25%) with chemotherapy and RT and 7 participants (22%) with RT only. Fourteen participants (44%) had their EoTD over the phone and n=13 (41%) had it face to face, missing data (n=5). In terms of side effects 25% (n=8) experienced low mood, 38 % (n=12) experienced fatigue, 22% (n=7), 19% (n=6) experienced both reduced appetite and dyspnoea, in most cases these symptoms peaked at 1-2 weeks following end of treatment, resolved and worsened at 5-6 weeks. Only skin problems and pain followed an anticipated pattern (peaking at 10-14 days RT).

Sixty nine percent (n=22) reported being happy about the EoTD 28% (n=9) said they didn’t know which professional would attend the EoTD, 34% (n=11) expected to find out results of treatment efficacy, 28 % (n=9) expected to discuss