Author(s): Grilo, Ana Monteiro ; Santos, Bárbara ; Baptista, Inês ; Monsanto, Fátima
Date: 2021
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/13378
Origin: Repositório Científico do Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa
Subject(s): Cancer patient; External radiotherapy; Barriers; Experience; Facilitators; Thematic synthesis
Purpose: To investigate the subjective experience of adult cancer patients undergoing external radiotherapy and provide evidence for better practices in radiotherapy services. Methods: A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA Statement Guidelines. Qualitative and mixed studies were identified through five electronic databases (CINAHL, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science), between March and April 2020, using defined criteria. Methodological quality assessment was conducted, and the data integrated into a thematic synthesis. Results: Of the 886 studies identified, 13 met our inclusion criteria. Patients' experiences were described into four main themes: (1) Time, (2) Physical Environment, (3) Treatment Concerns, and (4) Radiotherapy Team. Time refers to waiting time and treatment time; Physical Environment states temperature in the treatment room and equipment; Treatment Concerns included side effects, daily activities, positioning and immobilization and treatment preparation (e.g., bladder filling); radiotherapy team comprised patients support; response to patients needs and recognized team. The generating analytical phase of thematic analysis allowed us to recognize that the effectiveness of the radiotherapy team operates as a facilitator of the patients' experience. In contrast, time in the waiting room, the treatment preparation when is required, and the positioning and immobilization, specifically for the neck and head patients, act as barriers. Conclusion: Four distinct themes were identified to be positively and negatively associated with patients' experience during external radiotherapy. The evidence provides valuable recommendations to improved radiotherapy services organization, as well as to the delivery of more patient-centered care adjusted to the concerns and needs of patients.
