Original Article
A cross-sectional survey on frequency of radiation dermatitis and activities of nursing care for radiation dermatitis by certified nurse in radiation therapy nursing
2021 Volume 9 Issue 1 Pages 3-13
Details
2021 Volume 9 Issue 1 Pages 3-13
Background: Radiation dermatitis (RD) is likely to arise in the patient who underwent radiotherapy. This study aims to survey the frequency of radiation dermatitis, and to evaluate current nursing conducted by certified nurses in radiation therapy nursing (CN) tackling RD.
Methods: A self-administered questionnaire survey was carried out for 223 CNs. The questionnaire included personal attributes, the character of medical facilities (MF), the frequency of RD and qualities of the related care to a patient.
Results: The frequency of RD varied by irradiation site with 29% of MF reporting a frequency of Grade 2 or higher in the head and neck sites of 50% or more. Irradiated skin observation was conducted by CNs in 98% of MF before occurrence of RD and 100% at the time of occurrence of RD, which was the most common among the medical profession. However, only 79% of MF had follow-up by CNs after the completion of radiotherapy, which was influenced by whether or not CNs collaborated with radiologists after radiotherapy was completed.
Conclusions: This study suggested that CNs could play a more important role of CN in dermatitis care for patients suffering RD by collaborating with other professionals and nurses.
