Appraisal Of Care By Radiographers On Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy

This study assessed the patient care given by therapy radiographers to patients undergoing radiotherapy in the radiotherapy unit of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu.  It is a descriptive cross sectional study, with the use of questionnaire to obtain information from the patients and radiographers.  A total of 60 patients and 10 radiographers were targeted for the study, out of the 60 questionnaires distributed for the patients, 40 were completed, whereas 8 were completely filled by the radiographers.  The survey revealed that 57.5% of the respondent affirmed that the quality of care given to patients was high and lesser percentage disagreed to that fact.  It was observed during the survey that inconsistency exists in provision of care; this was revealed by 25% of the respondents that affirmed to that fact.  60% of that 25% affirmed that the extent of inconsistency in provision of care was high.  With regard to acceptability of the care given. 72.5% of the respondent indicated that they were satisfied with care given.  The study further revealed that therapy radiographers in the studied hospital indicated to have high level of knowledge on oncology care. 

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER TWO: THEORITHICAL BACKGROUND

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION 

AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.2 Summary of Findings………………………………………………. 50                                                                                       5.3 Conclusion...................................................................... 51

                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                      

Patient care is defined as providing care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patients preference, needs and values and ensuring that patients value guide all clinical decision1.No matter the category (inpatient or outpatient)a patient belongs, there is a common need of care and attention. A caring behavior emphasizes respect for patients and recognition that their concerns are important.2 Health care providers should display caring throughout the medical encounter in order to establish a trusting relationship and good rapport with patients. The first encounter with the patients sets the tone for the interaction. Properly greeting of clients in culturally appropriates ways that communicate openness concern determines whether, who is already apprehensive, due to the hospital environment, will comply or be scared the more. Warm greeting from the radiographer, may go a long way in clearing the atmosphere of unfriendliness as perceived by the patient of the entire facilities3.It will also create the starting point from which patient may confidently express themselves, thereby giving room for clear understanding of the investigation require to be done and the extent of patients preparedness. Use of appropriate non-verbal communication, like good-posture, eye contact, gestures, tone of voice, manner and attribute are appropriate and conducive to dialogue with the client. Radiographic techniques extend in complexity and produce ramifications in patient care with which radiographers must become familiar with. The apparatus and procedure used may grow in the scope of its automation but care of patient can never be placed within the function of any mechanical or electronic object. Radiation therapy has proven to be a liable approach to cancer treatment, with recent upsurge of cancer, in the ;population as stated by an impeccable source, that cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and accounted for 7.4millon death in 20044.. Diagnosis of cancer presents many challenges. In the effort to cure cancer, the physical effects of the disease and treatment often are focused on. Advance cancer is associated with emotional distress, especially depression and feeling of sadness5.Clearly, the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis is devastating and characterized by shock, disbelief, anger, anxiety, depression and difficulty in performing activities of daily living. A similar response occurs at each transitional point of the disease that is beginning treatment, recurrence, and treatment failure and disease progression. It is obvious that oncology patients are in need of physical and psychosocial6.However, it is also important for the health care team to address the psychosocial effect, which are the emotional and social concerns that can greatly affect patients’ well –being. The scope of the radiographers’ care competence would also include psychosocial help, defined as a systematic set of helping actions aimed at reducing initial distress and supporting. It is expected that the radiographer will have professional autonomy and accountability, provides good professional relationship, personnel and professional skills and demonstrates, ethical and knowledgeable understanding of the professional skills. The need for continuous improvement of quality and safety in provision of patient care has become axiomatic. The resultant paradigm shift from an acceptance of the status quo to a drive for constant improvement in clinical practice has required the engagement of multiple monitoring and development strategies. This study aims at evaluating and assessing the quality of care given to patients undergoing radiotherapy.