Page 13 - APPENDIX B: Trials Investigating the Management of Acute Radiation-Induced Skin Reactions Reading Qualitative Research

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WOUND CARE

Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics for the survey data and thematic

analysis for the semi-structured telephone interviews. The summarized results of the study were

presented to an expert group in the field of radiation oncology and wound management (Phase

IV) for feedback and consensus for future research and best practice.

Significance of study. This study contributes to minimizing pain and suffering for

patients receiving oncology radiotherapy. As part of preventive skin care during radiotherapy,

there is now a quest to find skin care products that not only prevent radiation dermatitis, but also

may be left in place during irradiation. Further, recent changes in clinical inventory have led to

recall of few wound care products with introduction of new ones at the local Radiation Oncology

Centre, where I am working. In the context of wound care management during radiotherapy, this

research project is of much relevance and addresses commonly used wound care products. The

significance of the study is summarized as follows:

1) Understanding how to enhance patient experience and quality of life.

2) Furthering Nursing’s contribution to the field of radiation oncology knowledge.

3) Compiling national cross sectional data on the specific aspect of patient care.

4) Recommending implications of the study in practice, leadership, policy and research.

Definitions

The following definitions are important to this study:

External beam radiotherapy. External Beam Radiotherapy is the most common

delivery system for radiation (Newton, Hickey, & Marrs, 2009; McQuestion, 2007). A linear

accelerator machine generates ionizing radiation by accelerating electrons along a tube and the

total dose of radiation required is divided into equal daily fractions, usually administered once a

day, five days per week until the total dose is reached (Newton et al., 2009). Patients receiving