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Travelling overseas for proton beam therapy: A retrospective interview study
Kelly Skelton1,2,3, Peter Gorayski1,2,4, Hui Tee1,2
1Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences
|August 25, 2023
Summary
Families traveling overseas for proton beam therapy (PBT) need better coordinated care and accommodation support. This study highlights unmet needs for young cancer patients and their families during PBT treatment abroad.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Patient Support Services
- Health Services Research
Background:
- International travel for cancer treatment presents unique challenges for young patients and their families.
- Proton beam therapy (PBT) is a specialized cancer treatment often requiring overseas travel.
- Understanding patient and family experiences is crucial for improving supportive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the experiences of Australian families and young patients traveling overseas for PBT.
- To identify supportive care needs during PBT treatment away from home.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews.
- Inclusion of participants under 25 years and their families who traveled overseas for PBT (2017-2020).
- Data analysis using thematic coding in Microsoft Excel, with 17 participants from seven families.
Main Results:
- Lack of coordinated travel and treatment arrangements reported by most participants prior to arrival.
- Hotel accommodation led to greater isolation compared to shared housing.
- Patients with higher cancer acuity experienced inadequate care provision and service availability.
Conclusions:
- Significant gaps exist in services, accommodation, and care coordination for patients traveling internationally for PBT.
- Consumer-led working groups could enhance care models for families undergoing PBT abroad.
- Families are willing to share experiences and support others traveling for PBT.
