ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S5902

RTT - Service evaluation, quality assurance and risk management

ESTRO 2024

side effects. In terms of timing, 41% (n=13) would have preferred the discussion to be the week after RT treatment cessation and 38% (n=12) would like face to face delivery. Thirty eight % (n=12) agreed a ‘hints and tips’ letter would be useful, 28% (n=9) would like a leaflet and 25% (n=8) suggested a list of FAQs. Fifty nine % (n=19) of participants would find the involvement of relatives/carers in the EOTD helpful to have ‘ 2 pairs of ears ’ and ‘ extra support ’. Thematic analysis revealed patients described the EoTD as informative and reassuring ' The talking about things, what is going to happen to my body' and let them ask questions ‘ we were encouraged to participate,' In language we could all understand ’. In terms of improving the EoTD, patients would like more contact with staff and written information ‘ I prefer face to face and maybe leaflets to go back for reference’.

Conclusion:

Patients appreciated the opportunity to talk with a radiographer about their treatment and to ask questions. However, it is also clear communications with patients about the nature, timing content and delivery of the EoTD need to be improved. Thus enabling patients to prepare questions and arrange inclusion of carers/relatives. Currently, the EoTD occurs in the days preceding the end of RT; However, patients would prefer this to occur post RT. Current delivery of the EoTD in Leeds is verbal, over the telephone and without further written information provision. Participants have shown a clear preference for face to face discussions. Side effects noted were greater than anticipated, did not follow the projected pattern of peaking at 10-14 days, thus challenging the advice generally given. The next stages are to work with radiotherapy colleagues and patient groups to co-design an EoTD proforma that can be validated in our department and tested with other RT department in the UK.

Keywords: radical lung radiotherapy, information & support

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