Identifying core components of a radiotherapy comfort intervention package using nominal group technique

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiotherapy
• Patient Care

Background:

• Patient comfort during radiotherapy is crucial for stability and treatment accuracy.
• Previous research identified 15 potential comfort intervention components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify, prioritize, and assess the feasibility of radiotherapy comfort intervention components.
• To develop a radiotherapy comfort intervention package.

Main Methods:

• A nominal group technique consensus meeting with patients and therapeutic radiographers.
• Triangulation of systematic review and qualitative interview data.
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis of intervention components.

Main Results:

• 11 out of 16 components were recommended for development ('accepted' or 'accepted with caution').
• Top-ranked interventions included compassionate communication training and tailored patient information.
• Concerns regarding resources (equipment, training, time) and the radiation environment were noted.

Conclusions:

• Recommended comfort interventions show potential for improving patient comfort and should be integrated into radiotherapy guidelines.
• Further development and robust evaluation of specific intervention strategies are necessary.