Evaluating the feasibility and utility of machine translation for patient education materials written in plain language to increase accessibility for populations with limited english proficiency.

Background: Populations with limited English proficiency (LEP) face comprehension barriers with health information as navigating healthcare systems involves encountering health information that is written at high reading grade levels, utilizes complex medical jargon, and unfamiliar or abstract terms and concepts. Despite the serious consequences of language discordance there is limited funding available for the translation of patient education material in the public healthcare setting. In response to the imperative need to provide equal access to patient education materials to all patients, regardless of English language proficiency, some have raised the feasibility of leveraging machine translation software.

Virtual integration of patient education in radiotherapy (VIPER).

Purpose: Pre-radiotherapy patient education led by Radiation Therapists (RTT) has been shown to improve patients' distress and overall experiences. In an effort to offer a remote delivery method while allowing for visual learning and face-to-face communication, this pilot project evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of using virtual videoconferencing for patient education.

Methods: This prospective pilot study integrated virtual patient education into standard care.

Eliminating tattoos for short course palliative radiation therapy: Set-up error, satisfaction and cost.

Purpose: Palliative patients are living longer thanks to advancements in systemic therapies and radiotherapy technologies. Prior to image guided radiotherapy, permanent ink tattoos were used to ensure set up accuracy. Permanent marks can cause psychological damage, physical pain and can reduce a patient's quality of life.

Could knowledge of patient demographics facilitate a personalized approach to radiation therapy patient education?

Introduction: Using patient demographics to tailor cancer patient education processes results in improved patient outcomes. However, there is little information on how to successfully tailor radiation therapy (RT) educational content and delivery. The aim of this quality improvement project was to describe the information preferences of a diverse group of patients undergoing RT and determine if different RT education processes were associated with certain patient demographics.

A qualitative descriptive study of patients' experiences of a radiation skin reaction associated with treatment for a head and neck cancer.

The majority of patients receiving radiation therapy will experience a radiation skin reaction, ranging from mild erythema to severe moist desquamation. The anticipated skin reaction will vary by cancer diagnosis, dose of radiation, size of treatment field, and other treatment-and patient-related factors. Recently, research has dispelled long-held myths about avoiding skin care products prior to treatment, and the use of deodorant or antiperspirant during treatment for breast cancer and any potential for an increased skin dose with the use of skin care products.

Patient perspectives on frame versus mask immobilization for gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery.

Purpose: To assess patient experiences and perspectives following Gamma Knife (GK) stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) using frame versus mask immobilization.

Methods: Patients who received GK-SRS using both frame and mask immobilization were included in this study. One-on-one semi-structured interviews, led by a third-party expert, were used to gain insight into the patient experience.

A Canadian Survey of the Management of Radiation-Induced Skin Reactions.

Introduction: Radiation therapy skin reactions are one of the most common side effects and can cause patient distress. In some cases, a severe radiation-induced skin reaction may limit delivered dose and potentially compromise treatment outcomes. There are some established best practices, but approaches and patient advice appear to have changed little over the years and are often based on tradition, not evidence.

From Computed Tomography-Guided to Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Intracavitary Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer: What Do the Key Stakeholders Have to Say about the Transition?

Background: International brachytherapy consortiums are advocating for the incorporation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) into the cervical brachytherapy process as a standard-of-care. Although some evaluations have been performed to quantify the effect on procedural time, little is known about the views and experiences of key stakeholders during the transition from computed tomography to MR-guided brachytherapy. This qualitative research project explored insights from key stakeholders related to a change in the gynaecologic brachytherapy process.

Collaboration in Health Care.

Health care involves the participation of patients, family, and a diverse team of often highly specialized health care professionals. Involvement of all these team members in a cooperative and coordinated way is essential to providing exceptional care. This article introduces key concepts relating to interprofessional collaborative teamwork.

Exploring the Experiences of Left-Sided Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy Using the Active Breathing Coordinator.

Background: The Active Breathing Coordinator (ABC) to induce breath hold during radiation therapy is used with the intent to reduce the risk of long-term, radiation-induced cardiovascular morbidity. Many studies have explored the dosimetric and toxicity benefits of using the device, but limited research has been done on the patient's perspective. The aim of this study was to explore the patient's experience using the ABC device and to evaluate the teaching provided.

Communicating with Emotional Patients: Thoughts, Skills, and Influencing Factors for Ontario Radiation Therapists.

Purpose: Patients receiving radiation therapy are subject to high anxiety levels. Radiation Therapists (RTs) are uniquely positioned to support patients as they progress through treatment, but little is known about therapists' ability to perform this important task. This research was designed to describe RTs' ability to communicate with cancer patients during emotional interactions and to determine what intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence that ability.

Palliative care for Parkinson's disease: Patient and carer's perspectives explored through qualitative interview.

Background: Palliative care is recommended for non-malignant illnesses, including Parkinson's disease. However, past research with healthcare workers highlights unmet palliative needs in this population and referral rates to Specialist Palliative Care are low. Some healthcare workers perceive a 'fear' in their patients about introducing palliative care.

Development and Implementation of an Electronic Learning Module for Volumetric Image-Guided Radiation Therapy.

Background: Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) through daily cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has significantly impacted the role of the radiation therapist at our institution; continuing education is crucial to ensure safe practice of technology in the clinical environment. The purpose of this work was to develop and implement an electronic learning (eLearning) module as a yearly refresher for CBCT-practicing radiation therapists.

Methods: To provide an innovative interface to engage the learner's interest, a module themed "Myths in Cone Beam Computed Tomography Practice" was developed by content experts at our institution.

Interviews with Irish healthcare workers from different disciplines about palliative care for people with Parkinson's disease: a definite role but uncertainty around terminology and timing.

Background: An integrated palliative care approach is recommended in all life-limiting diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). However research shows that people with PD have unmet palliative care needs. The study aimed to explore multidisciplinary healthcare workers' (HCWs) views on palliative care for people with PD, identifying perceived barriers and facilitators.

Survey of Health Care Workers Suggests Unmet Palliative Care Needs in Parkinson's Disease.

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and previous training of Irish health care workers (HCWs) in palliative care in end-stage Parkinson's disease (PD). A survey was distributed to HCWs, including neurologists, geriatricians, general practitioners, nurses, and allied health professionals, in acute and community settings in the Republic of Ireland. Three-hundred and six surveys were returned (32% average response rate).

Patient and staff assessment of an audiovisual education tool for head and neck radiation therapy.

The purpose of this study was to understand and compare patient and staff perceptions of a video-based preparatory education tool for head and neck radiotherapy. Patients and staff completed a questionnaire assessing their perceptions of whether the education tool was relevant, clear, complete and reassuring. Staff rated the video's accuracy and anticipated impact on future patient information needs.

Evaluation of the Effects of Pre-Treatment Education on Self-Efficacy and Anxiety in Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Patients receiving radiation therapy for cancer treatment have been reported to experience increased anxiety before starting therapy and often have diminished feelings of control. An evaluation was done to measure the impact of an educational class that was designed to lower patient and family anxiety and to help them know what to expect before starting radiation therapy.

Methods: A single-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2011 at an ambulatory radiation therapy clinic.

The Effects of Post-Radiation Education Pamphlet On Self-efficacy in Cancer Patients.

Cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy often experience anxiety and a sense of loss of control immediately after completion of their active treatment. This study aims to evaluate, using a cross-sectional survey, the effects of a post-radiation education pamphlet on the self-efficacy of cancer patients in terms of seeking/understanding medical information, seeking support, and coping with radiation side effects. Forty-eight patients from various age groups with a variety of cancer diagnoses were recruited from the Radiation Medicine Program at Princess Margaret Hospital.

The Key Psychosocial Issues Faced by Men with Testicular Cancer.

Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumour in 15- to 35-year-old white males; however, it only accounts for 1%-2% of all male cancers. During the past few years, there have been huge advances in the treatment of testicular cancer. Survival rates for early stage disease are higher than 95%, and for all disease stages combined the survival rates are over 90%.

Apocrine adenoma of the breast.

A case of apocrine adenoma, a rare benign tumor of the breast is reported. A left breast nodule from a 47-year-old female was found by mammography and excised. The tumor was well circumscribed and composed of tightly packed tubules lined by cells with apocrine features.

Signet ring stromal tumor of the ovary occurring in conjunction with brenner tumor.

Objective: A case is presented of a single ovarian mass that had elements of both signet ring stromal tumor of the ovary and Brenner tumor.

Methods: The histologic features and the results of histocytochemical, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic studies are presented.

Results: The signet ring component of the mass demonstrated features consistent with the few other cases previously reported.

The variation of small bowel volume within the pelvis before and during adjuvant radiation for rectal cancer.

Prior to adjuvant postoperative radiation therapy for carcinoma of the rectum, 21 consecutive patients had small bowel barium studies to determine whether there was an optimal interval between ingestion of barium sulphate and imaging, and whether the volume of small bowel within the posterior pelvis was constant throughout the course of treatment. It was found that the optimum interval prior to imaging after ingestion of barium was 1.5-2 h.

Occurrence, etiology, and clinical significance of extreme thrombocytosis: a study of 280 cases.

Purpose: To determine the etiology and to evaluate the clinical consequences of an extremely elevated platelet count.

Patients And Methods: A review of the medical records was performed on all patients encountered during a 5 1/2-year period who had at least one platelet count of 1,000 x 10(9)/L or greater.

Results: Of the total of 280 patients with extreme thrombocytosis (EXT), 231 (82%) had reactive thrombocytosis (RT), 38 (14%) had a myeloproliferative disorder (MPD), and 11 (4%) had cases of uncertain etiology.