ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S4181

RTT - Patient experience and quality of life

ESTRO 2025

2776

Digital Poster The co-design of patient information leaflets for people receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer. Hannah Mullane, Theresa O' Donovan, Mark Mc Entee, Andrew England, Annemarie Devine Discipline of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland Purpose/Objective: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally, affecting people of various demographics and backgrounds (1). Radiation therapy (RT) plays a significant role in the treatment of breast cancer. Ensuring patients are well-prepared for RT is a clear priority. To alleviate patient anxiety before treatment begins, it is essential for radiation therapists (RTTs) to engage in effective communication with patients and provide comprehensive and accessible information. This study aims to identify core components for inclusion in breast cancer RT information leaflets, given the evolving landscape of patient education and varying information needs. Material/Methods: Ethical approval was granted for this qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews with multiple stakeholders were conducted to gather recommendations for improving breast cancer RT information leaflets. Interviews were conducted either in person or online and recordings were transcribed. Thematic coding of interview transcripts followed Braun and Clarke's six-step process, ensuring a thorough analysis that identified key themes and subthemes (2). Gemini, a large language model developed by Google, was employed for a secondary review of themes and subthemes extracted from the transcriptions. Results: Nine stakeholders participated. Participants included two RTTs, two radiation oncologists (ROs), four service users (SUs) and one industry representative. Recommendations included comprehensive information on side effects and management, clear communication of the treatment process, resources for mental and physical well-being support, incorporation of patient testimonials, gender-neutral language, and accessible formats for individuals with disabilities. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of enhancing breast cancer RT information leaflets to meet the diverse needs of patients. Further research should explore innovative strategies for enhancing presentation, potentially incorporating additional visual aids or illustrations and exploring additional delivery methods through the utilisation of electronic formats such as short message service (SMS), email or quick-response (QR) codes. The accessibility of information to individuals with disabilities, both physical and cognitive, warrants specific attention to ensure equal accessibility to all patients receiving essential healthcare information.

Keywords: information, co-design, patient

References: 1. Arnold M, Morgan E, Rumgay H, Mafra A, Singh D, Laversanne M, et al. Current and future burden of breast cancer: Global statistics for 2020 and 2040. Breast. 2022;66:15–23 2. Braun V, Clarke V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qual Res Psychol. 2006;3(2):77–101.

2780

Digital Poster An investigation into the experiences of radiation therapists on providing radiation therapy to non-native English-speaking service users.