ESTRO meets Asia 2024 - Abstract Book

S372

RTT – Patient experience and quality of life

ESTRO meets Asia 2024

A standout feature is the content customisation to include narratives from each patient's preferred cartoon characters, offering a deeply personal and interactive learning journey.

Moreover, the workshop is enhanced with supportive care packages distributed throughout the course of RT. These elements are designed to boost empowerment and connection while serving as continual reminders of the support provided by our team. This comprehensive approach aims to demystify the treatment process, reduce patient and carer anxiety, address carers’ concerns, and ultimately enhance patient cooperation and engagement.

Results:

From March 2021 to January 2024, HEROCARE served 26 paediatric patients, aged 3–16 years (mean age 7.6). Twenty-two cases (85%) successfully completed treatment without the need for sedation or GA, highlighting the effectiveness of our workshops. Feedback collected from carers has been overwhelmingly positive, with most noting the workshops' informative nature and their significant role in enhancing both children’s and carers’ understanding of the RT process.

Conclusion:

The HEROCARE initiative has proven to be a feasible and impactful service-education model, potentially enhancing the treatment experience for paediatric patients. Our success in minimising the need for sedation or GA through engaging, personalised preparation underscores the potential of this innovative approach in oncology care. The next stage involves harnessing advanced technology to create a seamless transition from the patient's experience in HiVE to the actual treatment environment, utilising accessories that can be easily installed and dismantled in the treatment room. This effort further enhances patients' treatment experiences. We aim to adopt advanced technologies, expanding our reach and benefiting all local paediatric patients and carers. This initiative not only supports patients through a challenging time but also paves the way for a new standard in paediatric oncology care.

Keywords: Radiotherapy rehearsal, carer support, paediatrics

References:

Nil