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Supporting paediatric patients to receive radiation therapy without sedation or general anaesthetic
Moira O'Connor1, Georgia K B Halkett2
1School of Population Health/enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia.
Insights
Pediatric radiation therapy often requires anesthesia or sedation (A/S) due to patient anxiety. This editorial explores strategies to reduce A/S use, improving the experience for children and families.
Area of Science:
- Radiation Oncology
- Pediatric Psychology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Pediatric patients frequently experience anxiety and distress during radiation therapy.
- Anesthesia or sedation (A/S) is commonly used to ensure patient immobility, impacting patients, families, and healthcare systems.
Discussion:
- This editorial builds upon McCoola et al. (DOI 10.1002/jmrs.705) to discuss methods for reducing the necessity of A/S in pediatric radiation therapy.
- Focuses on enhancing the experience for pediatric patients and their families undergoing radiation treatment.
Key Insights:
- Reducing A/S in pediatric radiation therapy can improve patient and family experiences.
- Interventions aimed at decreasing A/S should be theoretically grounded.
- Robust research methodologies are essential for evaluating interventions.
Outlook:
- Future research should focus on developing and validating non-pharmacological interventions to manage anxiety and distress in pediatric radiation oncology.
- Implementing evidence-based strategies can lead to more child- and family-centered radiation therapy practices.
- Long-term benefits may include reduced healthcare costs and improved patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Many paediatric patients experience anxiety and distress when undergoing radiation therapy and, as a result, are often anaesthetised or sedated (A/S) so that they remain still. The practice of using A/S has implications for the child, the family and the health system. Building on the article by McCoola et al. (DOI 10.1002/jmrs.705), this editorial discusses approaches to improving paediatric patients' and their families' experiences of radiation therapy by reducing the need for A/S. Interventions need to be underpinned by theory and adopt robust research methods.
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