Hostname: page-component-5c6d5d7d68-pkt8n Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-08-11T05:25:32.007Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Radiographers relationship with head and neck cancer patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 April 2013

Helen Egestad
Helen Egestad*
Affiliation:
Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
*
Correspondence to: Helen Egestad, Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway. Tel: 004777660637. E-mail: helen.egestad@uit.no
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Introduction

Head and neck cancer patients face many demanding events, such as radiation therapy, which can cause anxiety and uncertainty. Studies report that relevant information decreases emotional distress and inadequate communication can lead to increased fear and anxiety. There is a lack of research that describes what radiographers do when they meet the patients. The aim is to explain what radiographers’ do that may lead to less anxiety and uncertainty for head and neck cancer patients.

Method

This study was conducted via qualitative interviews and took on a phenomenological, hermeneutic approach. Eleven head and neck cancer patients were interviewed 1-month post radiation therapy.

Results

Successful meetings are characterised by the radiographer smiling, being pleasant, referring to the patient by their name, informing the patient thoroughly, asking open questions and answering questions.

Conclusion

Head and neck cancer patients feel vulnerable and need the radiographer to create a safe atmosphere when they undergo treatment. Then radiographers reduce uncertainty, provide emotional support, reduce loneliness, provide information and create alliances.

Keywords

communicationhead and neck cancerpatient careradiation therapyrole definition
Type
Original Articles
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 12 , Issue 3 , September 2013 , pp. 245 - 254
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Baume, P A. Vision for radiotherapy: report for the radiation oncology inquiry. Australian Commonwealth Government (2002). http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-roi-inquiry-report.htm.Google Scholar
2.Halkett, G K B, Kristjanson, L J. Patients’ perspectives on the role of radiation therapists. Patient Educ Couns 2007; 69: 76–83.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
3.Halkett, G K B, Merchant, S, Jiwa, Met al. Effective communication and information provision in radiotherapy – the role of radiation therapists. J Radiother Pract 2010; 9 (1): 3–16.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4.Leaver, D, Alfred, L. Treatment delivery equipment. In: Washington C M, Leaver D (eds). Principle and Practice of Radiation Therapy, 2nd edition. St Louis: Mosby, 2004: 131–170.Google Scholar
5.Schafer, C, Herbst, M, Ethical aspects of patient information in radiation oncology. An introduction and a review of the literature. Strahlentherapie und Onkologie 2003; 179: 431–440.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
6.Halkett, G K B, Cox, J, Anderson, C, Heard, R. Establishing research priorities for Australian radiation therapists: what patient care priorities need to be addressed? Eur J Cancer Care 2012; 21 (1): 31–40.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
7.Feber, T. Head and Neck Oncology Nursing. London: Whurr Publishers Ltd., 2000.Google Scholar
8.Long, L E. Being informed undergoing radiation therapy. Cancer Nurs 2001; 24 (6): 463–468.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
9.Halkett, G K B, Kristjanson, L J, Lobb, E A. If we get too close to your bones they'll go brittle: women's initial fears about radiotherapy for early breast cancer. Psychooncology 2008; 17 (9): 877–884.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
10.Hinds, C, Moyer, A. Support as experienced by patients with cancer during radiotherapy treatments. J Adv Nurs 1997; 26: 371–379.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
11.Duncan, G G, Epstein, J B, Tu, Det al. Quality of life, mucositis, and xerostomia from radiotherapy for head and neck cancers: a report from the NCIC CTG HN2 randomized trial of an antimicrobial lozenge to prevent mucositis. Head and Neck 2005; 27 (5): 421–428.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
12.Rose, P, Yates, P. Quality of life experienced by patients receiving radiation treatment for cancer of the head and neck. Cancer Nurs 2001; 24 (4): 255–263.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
13.Larsson, M, Hedelin, B. Lived experiences of eating problems for patients with head and neck cancer during radiotherapy. J Clin Nurs 2003; 12 (4): 562–570.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
14.Wells, M. The hidden experience of radiotherapy to the head and neck: a qualitive study of patients after completion of treatment. J Adv Nurs 1998; 28 (4): 840–848.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
15.Johnson, J E, Lauver, D R, Nail, L M. Process of coping with radiation therapy. J Consult Clin Psychol 1989; 57 (3): 358–364.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
16.Eardley, A. Patients and radiotherapy. 1. Expectations of treatment. 2. Patients'experience of treatment. Radiography 1985; 51: 324–326.Google Scholar
17.Christman, N J. Uncertainty and adjustment during radiotherapy. Nurs Res 1990; 39 (1): 17–20.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
18.Poroch, D. The effect of preparatory patient education on the anxiety and satisfaction of cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. Cancer Nurs 1995; 18 (3): 206–214.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
19.Ledeboer, Q C, van der Velden, L A, de Boer, M F, Feenstra, L, Pruyn, J F A. Physical and psychosocial correlates of head and neck cancer: an update of the literature and challenges for the future (1996–2003). Clin Otolaryngol 2005; 30 (4): 303–319.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
20.Aarstad, A K H. Psychosocial factors and health-related quality of life in former head and neck cancer patients. Dissertation for the degree of philosophiae doctor (PhD). Norway: University of Bergen, 2008.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
21.Williams, A M, Irurita, V F. Emotional comfort: the patient's perspective of a therapeutic context. Int J Nurs Stud 2006; 43 (4): 405–415.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
22.Knobf, M T, Sun, Y. A longitudinal study of symtoms and self-care activities in women treated with primary radiotherapy for breast cancer. Cancer Nurs 2005; 28: 210–218.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
23.Rainly, L. Effects of preparatory education for radiation oncology patients. Cancer 1985; 56 (5): 1056–1061.3.0.CO;2-Z>CrossRefGoogle Scholar
24.Gamble, K. Communication and information: the experience of radiotherapy patients. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 1998; 7: 153–161.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
25.Björklund, M, Sarvimäki, A, Berg, A. Living with head and neck cancer a profile of captivity. J Nurs Healthc Chronic Illn 2010; 2 (1): 22–31.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
26.Lindseth, A, Nordberg, A. A phenomenological hermeneutical method for researching lived experience. Scand J Caring Sci 2004; 18: 145–153.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
27.Anderson, J M. The phenomenological perspective. In: Morse J M (ed). Qualitive Nursing Research: A Contemporary Dialogue. Newbury Park: SAGE, 1991: 25–38.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
28.Ricoeur, P. Interpretation Theory: Discourse and the Surplus of meaning. Fort Worth, TX: Texas Christian University Press, 1976.Google Scholar
29.Gadamer, H G. Truth and Method, 2nd edition. London: Sheed & Ward, 1999.Google Scholar
30.Charamaz, K. Loss of self: a fundamental form of suffering in the chronically ill. Sociol Health Illn 1983; 5: 169–194.Google Scholar
31.Holland, J C, Rowland, J H. Handbook of Psychooncology: Psychological Care of the Patient with Cancer. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press, 1990.Google Scholar
32.Martin, K-L, Hodgson, D. The role of counselling and communication skills: how can they enhance a patients’ first day experience? J Radiother Pract 2006; 5 (3): 157–164.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
33.Wengstrøm, Y. Nursing Interventions in Radiation Therapy. Studies on Women with Breast Cancer. Stockholm: Karolinska Institutet, 1999.Google Scholar
34.Skalla, K A, Bakitas, M, Fustenberg, C T, Ahles, T, Henderson, J V. Patients need for information about cancer therapy. Oncol Nurs Forum 2004; 31 (2): 313–319.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
35.Hammick, M, Tutt, A, Tait, D. Knowledge and perception regarding radiotherapy and radiation in patients receiving radiotherapy: a qualitative study. Eur J Cancer Care 1998; 7: 103–112.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
36.Halkett, G K B, Kristjanson, L J, Lobb, Eet al. Information needs and preferences of women as they proceed through radiotherapy for breast cancer. Patient Educ Couns 2012; 86 (3): 396–404.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
37.McCabe, C. Nurse-patient communication: an exploration of patients’ experiences. J Clin Nurs 2004; 13: 41–49.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
38.Gaston, C M, Mitchell, G. Information giving and decision-making in patients with advanced cancer: a systematic review. Soc Sci Med 2005; 61 (10): 2252–2264.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
39.Booth, L. The radiographer-patient relationship: enhancing understanding using a transactional analysis approach. Radiography 2008; 14 (4): 323–331.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
40.Yilder, J. Towards an integrated model of expertise in medical imaging – Part 1: Overview and two dimensions of expert practice. J Diagn Radiography and Imaging 2005; 5: 133–145.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
41.Wilson, T D. Models in information behaviour research. J Documentation 1999; 55 (3): 249–270.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
42.Society of Radiographers. Code of conduct and ethics 2008. London. http://doc-lib.sor.org/node/114/pdf/?a=1. Accessed online November 2008.Google Scholar