Effect of an Instructional Module on Acute Side Effects of Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy for Patients with Cancer Prostate

Abstract

Background: Over the past few decades, there have been significant advances in the delivery of radiotherapy. These include developments in treatment planning systems and linear accelerator delivery capabilities, which reduce the risk of toxicity and morbidity as intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). However have certain negative acute side effects as urinary tract infection (urinary urgency, frequency and dysuria), diarrhea, severe pain in anorectal area, hemorrhoids, radiation dermatitis and fatigue. Objective: To evaluate the effect of an instructional module on acute side effects of intensity modulated radiotherapy for patients with cancer prostate. Settings: The study was carried out in the radiotherapy unit at Ayadi Almostakble Charity Hospital, Egypt. Subjects: Random sample of 90 adult patients, who were divided in to two equal groups. Study group received an instructional module for acute side effects& routine hospital care, while control group received only routine hospital care. Tools: three tools were used. Tool one: "patients with cancer prostate; sociodemographic& clinical data ". Tool two: "patient's knowledge regarding cancer prostate& intensity modulated radiotherapy structured interview schedule" and tool three" cancer prostate: acute radiotherapy side effects& action taken: structured interview schedule". Results: The study showed that there was a significant improvement in side effects in the study group more than in the control group (P=0.000*). Furthermore, majority of the study groups exhibited satisfactory level of practice to reduce these side effects (P= <0.001*). Conclusion: The patients with prostatic cancer received educational program had significant improvement of knowledge and self-care practice than the control group. Recommendations: In service training program should be carried out for nurses working in radiotherapy department, about acute radiotherapy side effects and its management.