Page 81 - APPENDIX B: Trials Investigating the Management of Acute Radiation-Induced Skin Reactions Reading Qualitative Research

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WOUND CARE

A proactive measure such as initiating a nursing policy in the clinical setting is discussed

by this same participant:

We are actually in the process of finalizing a collective agreement in our hospital where
we are legally covered or have the legal right to initiate. We don’t prescribe the
Flamazine◊ but we can say to the patient “Yes, you need to start the Flamazine◊, here is
a sample you can try” or “let’s put this dressing on”. (P#1)

Another sub-theme was Sources of evidence used in clinical decision-making and to

inform nursing practice. Sources of evidence were acknowledged to be based on research or

information regarding technologically advanced wound care products that become available for

patient care. One participant explained:

We are looking for evidence based practices, with the research that has been evolving,
we look for articles, we will then look at also new products discussed with industries,
what is types of their new products, what type of products should we particularly use for
a patient population. (P#4)

Clinical trials investigating the effect of new skin care products in the prevention and

management of radiation dermatitis were underway at different centres as a participant

mentioned, “We do have a couple of studies happening right now with different skin products”

(P#1).

Innovative practices and bridging knowledge about wound care from other areas, for

example burn wound management, to individual patient needs in radiation oncology were

disclosed by participants. One nurse said:

In the past couple of years any patient that we are treating to the pelvis area, for let’s say
Gyne or colorectal we suggest silver clear underpants …The companies also made
improvements with that now they will make patients custom-made like longer underwear
so all the area of the pelvis, the groin wherever there is creases that need to be in contact
with the silver clear mesh will have that. All the other areas the outer thigh, the outer
buttocks or any areas that does not need to have contact will be in a different like a nylon
underpant. So this is a change that we have recently in the past two years, started
encouraging patients to use during treatments. (P #1)