부산대학교 도서관

It is well documented that patients experience anxiety and fear related to radiation treatment and continually seek out information related to their treatment. The radiation oncology nurse plays an important role in preparing the patient and their caregivers for radiation therapy. At our institution, staff, as well as patients and caregivers, recognized the need to expand on the teaching provided during the initial clinic visit. Therefore, the multidisciplinary team developed a class to educate patients and caregivers about radiation therapy. The purposes of the "Preparing for Radiation Therapy" class are to standardize the education provided and better prepare patients and their caregivers for radiation therapy. Orem's Self Care Model provided the framework for the class, which focuses on promoting self care activities during treatment in order to achieve better outcomes. Initially a needs assessment was completed by patients undergoing radiation therapy. The results provided useful information related to essential content to include, as well as logistics such as when to offer the class. Content was ultimately reviewed and approved by radiation oncologists, radiation oncology nurses, social workers, and the patient education coordinator. Participants are taught about how radiation works, how to lessen and manage potential physical and emotional effects, and how to access available resources. The class is taught by a radiation oncology nurse and a social worker and is offered every 2 weeks at varying days and times. At the end of each class evaluation forms are distributed to each participant and caregiver. Thus far responses have been overwhelmingly positive as attendees have strongly agreed or agreed that the information was valuable to them and better prepared them for treatment. They all stated that they would recommend this class to others about to start treatment. Based on suggestions and frequently asked questions during the class, content will be added. Radiation oncology nurses can better prepare patients and their caregivers for radiation treatment through educational programs such as the "Preparing for Radiation Therapy" class. Educating patients outside of the initial clinic visit and prior to treatment can improve patient outcomes by decreasing anxiety and hopefully improving management of side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]