Confidence in Assessing, Managing & Teaching Radiation Induced Skin Reactions (RISR) in the UK
MO-0791
Abstract
Confidence in Assessing, Managing & Teaching Radiation Induced Skin Reactions (RISR) in the UK
Authors: Naman Julka-Anderson1, Heidi Probst2, Rachel Harris3
1Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Radiotherapy, London, United Kingdom; 2Sheffield Hallam University, Health Research Institute, Sheffield, United Kingdom; 3The Society and College of Radiographers, Professional Practice and Education, London, United Kingdom
Show Affiliations
Hide Affiliations
Purpose or Objective
Current radiotherapy practice suggests that RISR presents the same in all skin tones, however research shows there may be significant differences. This survey aimed to understand what tools and evidence-based practice is being used across the workforce and if confidence levels vary between assessing, managing and teaching RISR; allowing understanding of any national training needs.
Material and Methods
Post publication of the Radiation Dermatitis Guidelines (Society and College of Radiographers, 2020), a survey was developed (AlchemerTM survey tool) to assess confidence in assessing and managing RISR. The survey included questions on grading tools used to assess RISR literature and confidence in assessing, managing and teaching RISR across skin tones.
The survey was piloted (n=35) before national dissemination. Each radiotherapy department in the UK was contacted between August-November 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to understand respondents differing confidence in assessing skin reactions between white and darker skin tones; Fisher’s exact test was used to determine statistical significance.
Results
A total of 406 complete responses were received from therapeutic radiographers across the UK.
The most commonly used RISR assessment tool was Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) (58% n=237).
The majority of respondents (74.2% n=303) use information developed locally, with less than a third of respondents using SCoR evidence based patient leaflets.
Higher confidence (score 4 and 5) in assessing RISR was reported in lighter skin vs. darker skin (74% n=302 vs. 41.9% n=171, p<0.0001).
Confidence in managing skin reactions was higher in lighter compared to darker skin tones (66.9% n=273vs 49% n=200, p<0.0001).
Respondents were more confident in teaching assessments in lighter compared to darker skin tones (60.5% n=247vs 42.6% n=174, p<0.0001).
Conclusion
Lighter skin tones are more confidently assessed for RISR than darker skin tones in the sample of the radiotherapy workforce that responded to the survey. Higher levels of confidence were seen within the workforce who had been qualified longer. Confidence does not necessarily suggest competence, and the findings should be explored further. Future work should focus on developing strong RISR education and training and review of the current assessment tools.