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An audit of a radiotherapy review clinic for breast cancer patients: a multi-disciplinary approach

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 December 2008

J.L. Cameron ,
C.M. Blyth  and
A.S. Kirby
J.L. Cameron*
Affiliation:
Breast Clinical Radiographer Specialist, Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, UK
C.M. Blyth
Affiliation:
Lecturer, Queen Margaret University, Queen Margaret University Drive, Edinburgh, UK
A.S. Kirby
Affiliation:
Senior Lecturer, Queen Margaret University, Queen Margaret University Drive, Edinburgh, UK
*
Correspondence to: J.L. Cameron, Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Purpose: With the advent of multi-disciplinary team working in Oncology practice, this audit was designed to assess patient satisfaction with this approach within an on-treatment review clinic for breast cancer patients. It also aimed to look at conformity of reporting of treatment side effects between different staff groups.

Patients and methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 230 radical breast cancer patients once a week after each review clinic. An oncologist and a radiographer or nurse reviewed the patients during weeks 1–4 of treatment. A review form was completed at each visit specifying any side effects noted.

Results: Patients appeared satisfied with their clinic visits to both the radiographer and nurse with 84 and 85% confidence and trust in the members of staff compared to 73% with the doctor. There was disparity in the recording of side effects between non-medical and medical staff groups.

Conclusion: This audit has provided good evidence to support the continuation of multi-disciplinary review clinics. A key benefit is the reduction in clinic waiting times for patients and a substantial time saving for the medics. It also supports role development for the radiographer and nurse involved.

Keywords

breast cancerradiotherapyreview clinicstreatment reactions
Type
Original Article
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 7 , Issue 4 , December 2008 , pp. 233 - 239
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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