The delivery of health improvement information during radiotherapy treatment: a survey of UK therapy radiographers

Abstract

Introduction: The burden of lifestyle associated disease is increasing with a preventative approach to health becoming more of a focus. Within the oncology setting the importance of supporting patients with positive lifestyle changes post treatment is included within the recently developed recovery package and the contribution of therapeutic radiographers will be significant in the implementation of this.

No Ifs, No Butts: Compliance with Smoking Cessation in Secondary Care Guidance (NICE PH48) by Providers of Cancer Therapies (Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy) in the UK

“…Less than a third (31.6%) revisited a patient’s smoking status during treatment. Pattinson and Jessop [31] identified lack of knowledge or confidence as the significant barrier rather than a previous negative experience. Almost half (48.1%) of staff had no smoking cessation training.…”

Attitudes of oncology healthcare practitioners towards smoking cessation: A systematic review of the facilitators, barriers and recommendations for delivery of advice and support to cancer patients

“…Increased confidence and the belief that smoking cessation was worthwhile were both cited by multiple studies as facilitators to delivery. Although over 40% of a sample of UK therapy radiographers stated they would be confident advising patients of smoking cessation programs, the majority of respondents rarely or never provided smoking cessation advice 41 . Comments from radiographers regarding provision were often themed around concerns surrounding patient views, staff responsibility and knowledge of the topic, suggesting these professionals require more information on smoking cessation 41 .…”

“…Evidence from lung cancer patients shows quitters experience a more rapid return to emotional, cognitive or social functioning after surgery 48 and an overall improvement in quality of life 49 . Education on the benefits of smoking cessation to cancer patients has been recommended by two of the studies included in this review and a focus on the short-term benefits may further facilitate delivery of cessation 30,41 .…”

“…Thus, smoking cessation in radiotherapy patients should be encouraged by practitioners for all patients, not just those with an aetiological tobacco associated cancer, as smoking can significantly increase sideeffects 11 , reduce quality of life 9,10 and prognosis in these patients 12,13 . Informing therapeutic radiographers of the evidence and improving their knowledge in this area is likely to facilitate delivery of smoking cessation to these patients 41 . Evidence does however remain sparse and further research into the potential short-term gains for patients who stop smoking after a cancer diagnosis can only help to motivate practitioners to deliver smoking cessation interventions to cancer patients.…”

“…HCP often perceived patients as lacking motivation and four studies identified this as a barrier to delivering smoking cessation, however evidence suggests patients are very much motivated to quit but lack the tools and support to do so 60 . Practitioners may be rationalising their own lack of confidence or motivation for interventions as that of the patients 41 therefore it is essential this assumption is overtly addressed in any educational materials.…”