ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S4205

RTT - Patient experience and quality of life

ESTRO 2025

Conclusion: This study identified that RTTs have experienced different care and information requirements for patients undergoing long-course and hypofractionated radiotherapy. Further investigation to establish co-designed interventions that will help support patients undergoing radiotherapy, future-proof information provision, and provide equitable, patient-centred outcomes is required.

Keywords: Hypofractionation, Patient Needs, Patient care

4085

Digital Poster Time estimation and distress levels in Patients awaiting radiotherapy sessions Ghada Abdessatar, Mouna Ben Rejeb, Syrine Lahiouel, Salma Ghorbel, Lilia Ghorbel, Lotfi Kochbati radiation oncology, Abderahmane Mami hospital, Ariana, Tunisia Purpose/Objective: Psychological distress is common among cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, potentially affecting their treatment experience. Perceived waiting time, often influenced by emotional states, may differ from actual waiting time and contribute to anxiety or discomfort. This study investigates the link between time estimation and distress levels in this patient population Material/Methods: This prospective study included 100 patients treated at the Radiation Oncology Department of Abderrahmane Mami Hospital in Tunisia. Psychological distress was evaluated using the Arabic version of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer, which rates distress on a scale from 0 to 10, with scores of 4 or higher indicating significant distress. Additionally, patients were asked to estimate their waiting time for the radiotherapy session on the day of assessment. Results: A total of 100 patients completed the questionnaire and provided an estimate of their waiting time for the radiotherapy session on the day of assessment. The median age was 54 years [23-75years]. Of the patients surveyed, 93% were receiving curative radiotherapy, while 7% were undergoing palliative radiotherapy. Fifty-two percent of patients attended their radiotherapy sessions alone, while 48% were accompanied. The mean estimated waiting time was 122 minutes [30-240 min]. The mean distress score was 3.42 [0-9]. The most frequently reported issues were fatigue (45%), pain (39%), anger (32%), and memory or concentration difficulties (26%). Less common issues included loss of physical abilities (23%), loneliness (16%), sadness or depression (13%), and anxiety (7%). A significant correlation was observed between estimated waiting time and high distress levels (p = 0.032). Conclusion: Daily waiting time significantly impacts distress levels in cancer patients during radiotherapy, with pain and fatigue being common concerns. Addressing waiting time presents a potential opportunity to improve patients’ quality of life.

Keywords: radiotherapy , distress ,waiting time