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The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of messages differing in focus (health vs appearance) and frame (gain vs loss) on intentions for sunscreen use and sunbed use, and the potential moderating role of body consciousness. Questionnaire data from 390 young adults were analysed using factorial ANOVA. Results showed a significant interaction between message frame and body consciousness, such that gain-framed health or appearance messages had the strongest effect on sunscreen use intentions for those high in body consciousness, compared to those low in body consciousness. We conclude that message framing effects on precautionary sun behaviour intentions are moderated by body consciousness.

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These findings suggest that, for the communication of information about skin cancer to be effective, messages must focus on the impact of sun exposure and inadequate skin protection for people's appearance, not just their health. Moreover, to maximize effectiveness, health messages about skin cancer should take account of dispositional differences in the importance placed upon one's appearance.

Previous research using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) for predicting skin cancer-related health behaviours has not adequately incorporated empirical advances in the conceptualization of the perceived behavioural control (PBC) component of the theory. This study examined the role of self-efficacy and controllability for predicting sunscreen and sunbed use intentions. Five hundred and ninety young adults completed a questionnaire on beliefs and intentions regarding sunscreen and sunbed use. Analysis using confirmatory factor analysis and multiple regression supported a conceptual distinction between two PBC subcomponents: controllability and self-efficacy. While self-efficacy--but not controllability--emerged as a significant predictor of intentions to use sunscreen, the opposite pattern was observed for the prediction of intentions to use sunbeds, whereby lower controllability beliefs were associated with higher intentions. Campaigns aimed at influencing health behaviours should consider the differential effects of the components of perceived control.

Through discussions with participants, it was apparent that radiation therapists had limited knowledge of the concept of health literacy. Common themes arose from the interviews with four key themes identified: 1. Strategies used to identify patients' health literacy 2. Perceived effect of low health literacy 3. Obstacles faced when addressing low health literacy 4. Recommendations to support lower health literacy groups CONCLUSION: Currently, radiation therapists show some knowledge and awareness of health literacy, but an increased awareness of the prevalence of low health literacy and a structured approach to supporting patients would allow radiation therapists to more effectively communicate with patients, thus improving their treatment experience and reducing the risk of adverse outcomes.

BackgroundIrish healthcare has seen radical reforms in recent years. Regulatory Body Registration was introduced to improve patient care and regulate professionals. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a requirement of registration. Professionals need to keep up-to-date with new techniques and technologies while maintaining their skills.PurposeThis research assessed the factors affecting CPD participation in Radiation Therapists and Diagnostic Radiographers and their knowledge and attitudes towards Regulatory Body Registration.Materials and methodsOnline surveys were designed and made available on the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy (IIRRT) Website for IIRRT members. The responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and χ2 tests in a statistical computer programme.ResultsPersonal development, time, cost and staff shortages negatively affect CPD participation. Reflective practise is not a barrier to CPD. Knowledge and attitudes to Regulatory Body Registration varied.ConclusionCPD must be developed in Radiation Therapy and Diagnostic Radiography. Funding, time and increased staffing could result in effective implementation of CPD. Regulatory Body Registration has been communicated but more information regarding the process is required.

In 2005, against a background of expanding radiotherapy services and increasing demands on therapy radiographers, the UK radiotherapy managers group were concerned about vacancies and low establishments impacting on service delivery, and lack of guidance on staffing establishments. They undertook a survey and work to develop a staffing framework, also to highlight the criticality of adequate radiographer staffing to radiotherapy, both in service delivery and treatment safety. The survey, of 2004 services and staffing, aimed to see if commonality existed in establishment size related to services delivered, and whether staffing levels correlated with activity levels.Reasonable parity in the total number of funded WTE establishment for “core” services, per centre, per planned daily Linear Accelerator (linac) hour of service was shown. The resultant staffing formula for core services is 1.33 WTE per linac hour. This includes radiographers, assistants, helpers and others contributing to the core activities. The average linac day length was 8h. The average fraction time was 11min with a range of 1.7–5.7 fractions per hour, the variations in activity rate correlating with actual staffing levels. The formula was tested in three departments and example staffing models constructed to help in operationalising the four-tier career structure.