A Survey of Therapeutic Radiographers’ Knowledge, Practices, and Barriers in Delivering Health Behaviour Advice to Cancer Patients

Abstract

Therapeutic radiographers (TRs) are well-placed to deliver advice to cancer patients; however, limited research exists on their practices in providing advice on healthy lifestyle behaviours. Through an online survey, this study aimed to explore TRs’ current practices, barriers, and facilitators around delivering healthy behaviour advice to cancer patients. An online survey was sent to 72 radiotherapy departments in the UK and 583 TRs responded to the survey. Findings showed that levels of enquiry and provision of advice on healthy behaviours were low, with less than 25% advising patients on physical activity, healthy eating, weight management, smoking cessation, and reducing alcohol intake as standard practice. Lack of knowledge, resources, and training were identified as barriers, in addition to perceived lack of patient interest and lack of time. TRs reported a strong desire to undergo training to enable them to deliver health behaviour advice to patients, with an identified preference for online training. Cancer patients look to healthcare professionals for advice on health behaviours, and TRs are well-placed to deliver this advice. The findings of this study provide insight into the areas that need addressing to enable TRs to support positive health behaviours among cancer patients.

Online training resources to aid therapeutic radiographers in engaging in conversations about physical activity and diet: A mixed methods study

“…However, previous research has highlighted that TRs primarily deliver advice on health behaviours to patients to help control side effects rather than focusing on cancer survivorship and general health. 13,33 Therefore, a consensus may be needed on the requisite course content for TRs on delivering dietary advice.…”

“…13 However, this was not matched by provision of advice as only 19% and 25% of TRs reported advising on healthy eating and physical activity routinely with patients respectively. 13 Qualitative interviews with 15 TRs from this study further highlighted that lack of knowledge, confidence and skills were barriers to lifestyle advice provision. 14 This was particularly the case for advice provision on the topics of physical activity and diet, and online training was highlighted as a potential strategy to address this.…”

“…11 Although oncology healthcare professionals have reported a desire to provide health behaviour advice to their patients, this has not always been observed in practice. 12,13 A survey of 583 therapeutic radiographers (TRs) in the UK published by our research group revealed that 89% believed providing health behaviour advice to cancer patients was part of their role. 13 However, this was not matched by provision of advice as only 19% and 25% of TRs reported advising on healthy eating and physical activity routinely with patients respectively.…”

“…12,13 A survey of 583 therapeutic radiographers (TRs) in the UK published by our research group revealed that 89% believed providing health behaviour advice to cancer patients was part of their role. 13 However, this was not matched by provision of advice as only 19% and 25% of TRs reported advising on healthy eating and physical activity routinely with patients respectively. 13 Qualitative interviews with 15 TRs from this study further highlighted that lack of knowledge, confidence and skills were barriers to lifestyle advice provision.…”

“…14 This was particularly the case for advice provision on the topics of physical activity and diet, and online training was highlighted as a potential strategy to address this. 13,14 The distribution of educational materials may bring about professional behaviour change. 15 Online courses for healthcare professionals can be appropriate for continuing professional development, while allowing flexibility to participate during times that are convenient.…”