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WOUND CARE
Decision-making to remove or radiate through dressings. Table 4.7 shows that while
five participants (31%) reported that the radiation oncologist makes the decision to remove or
radiate through dressings, another five participants (31%) informed that the multidisciplinary
team made the decisions. However, another three participants (19%) reported that the radiation
therapist makes the decision while two others (12%) conveyed don’t know. The detail for the
other response (6%) stated, “We never do XRT through a dressing”. The descriptive statistics
revealed that there is variation in this aspect of the survey results because it is unclear as to
whose decision it is. However, it is noteworthy that the registered nurse is not the sole decision
maker in this aspect of patient care.
Table 4.7
Decision-making to Remove or Radiate Through Dressings
Response Chart Percentage Count
Radiation Oncologist 31% 5
Radiation Therapist 19% 3
Registered Nurse 0% 0
Team decision 31% 5
Other, please explain 6% 1
Don't know 12% 2
Total Responses 16
Policy document. In general, it appears that most centres (71%) did not have a reference
document for when to remove a dressing during radiotherapy. Although, one response reported
the presence of a local policy, Clinical Practice Guideline or Best Practice Guideline, none was
forwarded to me. It was noted that of the 16 complete responses, two responses were missing in
this section (See Table 4.8).
