Complementary and alternative therapy use in a regional radiation oncology treatment centre: Can staff knowledge, views, confidence and documentation be improved?
J Med Radiat Sci
; 66(3): 191-199, 2019 Sep.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31393077
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Complementary and alternative therapies (CATs) are widely used by cancer patients but are infrequently disclosed and documented. This study aimed to improve radiation therapy staff knowledge, confidence, views and documentation of radiation oncology patients' use of CATs.METHOD:
Participants completed a baseline questionnaire regarding their knowledge, confidence, views and documentation relating to patients' CAT use. An intervention was undertaken whereby participants attended an educational session and a CAT screening tool was implemented simultaneously. Participants immediately completed a post-intervention questionnaire and later a 6-month follow-up questionnaire. A patient record audit was conducted to measure the documentation of CAT use pre- and post-intervention.RESULTS:
From baseline to post-intervention, there was a statistically significant shift in staff knowledge and confidence (P = 0.001-0.01). The observed shift was sustained over a 6-month period, (P = 0.453-1.00). Participants' perceived views of CATs did not change as a result of the intervention (P = 0.261-1.000). The post-intervention audit compared to the baseline audit yielded a statistically significant increase in documentation. There was an increase in CAT use mentioned in patient records from 14% (15/108) to 40% (35/88) (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS:
The implementation of a screening tool and staff education increased radiation therapy staff knowledge of CATs and increased staff confidence when discussing CAT use with patients. Documentation of CATs in the patient record increased post-intervention. These changes positively affected radiation therapy staff understanding the use of CATs by cancer patients.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Servicio de Radiología en Hospital
/
Terapias Complementarias
/
Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud
/
Oncólogos de Radiación
/
Neoplasias
/
Enfermeras y Enfermeros
Tipo de estudio:
Qualitative_research
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Med Radiat Sci
Año:
2019
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Australia