Results of a Radiation Therapist Opinion Survey Identifying, Measuring and Addressing Radiation Therapy Patient Supportive Care Needs.

Background: At Sunnybrook's Odette Cancer Centre, a multidisciplinary research team with expertise in radiation therapy and supportive care embarked on a comprehensive, evidence-based three-phase study, "Identifying, Measuring and Addressing Radiation Therapy Patient Supportive Care Needs at the Odette Cancer Centre." The subject of this paper, a radiation therapist opinion survey, constitutes Phase I of that study.

Purpose: The goal of Phase I was to provide an opportunity for radiation therapists (RTs) to express their views concerning a wide range of supportive care issues as they relate to patients and their families, and also to themselves as RTs. The aim was to use the findings to create in-service educational sessions for RTs at the Odette Cancer Centre. These sessions would then allow RTs to enact the protocol that will follow in Phase II and III of the larger study.

Materials And Methods: An online RT opinion survey was created, which used opinion statement questions. Included in the survey were questions regarding RTs' perspectives on supportive care issues and RTs' comfort level in addressing patient supportive care needs. Participants were asked about the barriers to the provision of optimal supportive care, and for suggestions to overcome these barriers. A treatment record audit was conducted simultaneously to augment the survey findings and to establish a baseline for future improvement measurements.

Results: Although there appears to be room for improvement in documentation practices, a high level of commitment to the provision of optimal supportive care has been demonstrated. Concerns regarding a range of relevant issues were expressed. RTs' comfort levels addressing specific supportive care needs of patients and their families, and the barriers that they believe hinder the provision of quality supportive care were identified. The following four themes were suggested in overcoming those barriers: staff education and training, system change, more time for the provision of supportive care, and role clarification.

Conclusions: The survey provided information that can be used to promote quality supportive care that extends beyond the aim of the survey; namely, to create in-service education sessions for RTs at the Odette Cancer Centre.