Abstract
IntroductionComplementary and alternative therapies (CATs) are widely used by cancer patients but are infrequently disclosed and documented. This study aimed to improve radiation therapy staff knowledge, confidence, views and documentation of radiation oncology patients' use of CATs.MethodParticipants completed a baseline questionnaire regarding their knowledge, confidence, views and documentation relating to patients' CAT use. An intervention was undertaken whereby participants attended an educational session and a CAT screening tool was implemented simultaneously. Participants immediately completed a post‐intervention questionnaire and later a 6‐month follow‐up questionnaire. A patient record audit was conducted to measure the documentation of CAT use pre‐ and post‐intervention.ResultsFrom baseline to post‐intervention, there was a statistically significant shift in staff knowledge and confidence (P = 0.001–0.01). The observed shift was sustained over a 6‐month period, (P = 0.453–1.00). Participants' perceived views of CATs did not change as a result of the intervention (P = 0.261–1.000). The post‐intervention audit compared to the baseline audit yielded a statistically significant increase in documentation. There was an increase in CAT use mentioned in patient records from 14% (15/108) to 40% (35/88) (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe implementation of a screening tool and staff education increased radiation therapy staff knowledge of CATs and increased staff confidence when discussing CAT use with patients. Documentation of CATs in the patient record increased post‐intervention. These changes positively affected radiation therapy staff understanding the use of CATs by cancer patients.
Highlights
Complementary and alternative therapies (CATs) are widely used by cancer patients but are infrequently disclosed and documented
This study has demonstrated that staff education and the implementation of a screening tool increased and sustained staff knowledge and confidence discussing CAT use with patients and CAT documentation, in a regional radiation oncology treatment centre
This study provided a solution to initiate CAT discussion, open communication between staff and patients and the documentation of patients CAT use
Summary
Complementary and alternative therapies (CATs) are widely used by cancer patients but are infrequently disclosed and documented. Results: From baseline to post-intervention, there was a statistically significant shift in staff knowledge and confidence (P = 0.001–0.01). Conclusions: The implementation of a screening tool and staff education increased radiation therapy staff knowledge of CATs and increased staff confidence when discussing CAT use with patients. Documentation of CATs in the patient record increased post-intervention. These changes positively affected radiation therapy staff understanding the use of CATs by cancer patients. Clinical radiation oncology staff mentioned that patients ask about CATs, such as selenium. Staff said they felt their knowledge about CATs was low and they did not know where to find evidence-based information. There were neither standardised departmental guidelines assisting with CAT discussions with patients, nor evidence-based information provided
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
