Page 10 - APPENDIX B: Trials Investigating the Management of Acute Radiation-Induced Skin Reactions Reading Qualitative Research

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WOUND CARE

According to White (2005), “Pain and trauma associated with dressing removal is of

major concern to patients” (p. 108). Moreover, it is not clear if removing the dressing alters the

wound bed and affects the healing process, and whether the radiation dose changes when

delivered through a dressing. Thus, clinical inquiry in the management of radiation induced

dermatitis and wound care during radiotherapy among patients with cancer is needed. This

project aims to describe the relevant evidence and current practice in this regard at different

Radiation Oncology Centres in Canada. A scoping review of literature is valuable in finding

relevant evidence to answer existing clinical questions (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2011). As

part of ongoing quality improvement measures, it is timely to reexamine the current practices,

which will be accomplished with a national environmental scan in this project.

Underpinning Assumptions

Because of the lack of a standardized clinical practice guideline in this regard, my

passion for the project lies in the intended benefits to the care for patients with cancer who are

receiving radiotherapy. The context of clinical practice and inter-professional relations will

affect the decisions made by nurses. Based on Dawes et al.’s series of questions (as cited by

Pearson, Field, & Jordan, 2007, p. 126 & 127), a situation analysis has assisted in the

development of broad assumptions that shape the project. These include:

1) Science: Focus on evidence-based knowledge with excellence as a system standard.

2) Safety: Develop accountable health-systems that will prevent or reduce error which is the

bottom-line, overall intention for the study.

3) Value: New innovative techniques to prevent waste of resources (time and money).

4) Cooperation: Interdisciplinary co-ordination of care as data collection may require

collaboration with Radiation Therapists (RT).