Page 107 - APPENDIX B: Trials Investigating the Management of Acute Radiation-Induced Skin Reactions Reading Qualitative Research

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WOUND CARE

lack of either qualitative and quantitative data or randomized controlled trials in the area of

radiating through wound dressings.

The small sample size (n=18), lack of rating scale questions and instruments does not

allow the use of statistical procedures such as multivariate analysis. The survey was only

available in English; possible translation to French might have assisted in inclusion of six French

speaking centres. However, I am not proficient to interview in French and therefore would

require translation and interpretation assistance. Further, missing data with no response and

“don’t know” challenges the generalizability of the findings. Perhaps, efforts in bimodal

administration methods of the survey i.e., electronic and telephone might have compensated for

inadequacies in the electronic mode on its own (Dillman, Smyth, & Christian, 2009). Lack of

“face to face” follow up made it unable to determine if each question was understood in the

manner intended and if the responses were accurate. Field notes during the telephone interview

were not able to account for the participant’s body language or non-verbal behavior. Possible

use of Skype or other video chat methods might have been beneficial in counteracting the

limitation. Further, since only one participant per centre was surveyed, it was not possible to

quantify potential variability within the Radiation Oncology Centres. Limitations of the national

environmental scan survey include not knowing who completed the survey as they were

completed anonymously. Therefore, it is unclear if the responses are individual views or

departmental policies.

Perhaps, a quest to understand the patient’s perspectives with wound care during

radiotherapy might have also benefited the study. However, considering the topic and scope of

the research, only clinical staff was invited to participate. The small sample size of 18 responses