Perceptions of Professionalism in Radiation Therapy: What do Radiation Therapists and Patients Value Most?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare perceptions of professionalism and its core components among radiation therapists. Any patient prescribed a radical course of radiation treatment as well as any currently employed radiation therapist was invited to take part in this study. A quantitative survey was developed after conducting a comprehensive literature review. Using a five-point Likert scale, participants were asked to rate the importance of 22 traits and behaviours as they relate to the professionalism of a radiation therapist. Participants were also asked to indicate which behaviour they felt was the most important and which behaviour was the least important to professionalism. Participation was on a volunteer basis with 28 radiation therapist participants and 73 patient participants. Data was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests with a significance level of α=0.05 to determine whether there were any significant differences in the median responses between the two participant groups. The importance rating attributed to the 22 behaviours differed significantly between radiation therapists and patients (for 11 of the 22 behaviours). The results indicated that compared to radiation therapists, patients attributed a higher level of importance to traits related to empathy and compassion, communication, positive work atmosphere and confidentiality. Radiation therapists and patients agreed that competence was the most important issue related to professionalism with 63% of radiation therapists and 52% of patients selecting this behaviour. Both groups also agreed that having no visible tattoos was the least important issue relating to professionalism with 25% of radiation therapists and 42% of patients selecting this behaviour. There were no significant differences among varying demographics except for patient gender which indicated a difference for five of the 22 behaviours. Female patients attributed a higher level of importance to behaviours related to communication and respect for authority than male patients. This study suggests that for quality patient care, policies should place more emphasis on competency, as well as clear and empathic communication rather than appearance.