Radiotherapy skin care: A survey of practice in the UK

Citation

Harris R, Probst H, Beardmore C, James S, Dumbleton C, Bolderston A, Faithfull S, Wells M & Southgate E (2012) Radiotherapy skin care: A survey of practice in the UK. Radiography, 18 (1), pp. 21-27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2011.10.040

Abstract
Aim  The primary objective of the survey was to evaluate clinical skin care practice in radiotherapy departments across the United Kingdom.  Methods and sample  A questionnaire containing sixty-one questions grouped into eight themed sections was developed and a link to an on-line survey, using the Survey Monkey™ tool, was e-mailed to all radiotherapy department managers in the United Kingdom (N=67). Each recipient was invited to provide one response per department.  Key results  Fifty-four departments responded within the allocated timeframe giving a final response rate of 81%. Products and their use for skin conditions varied and some outdated and unfounded practices were still being used which did not always reflect the current evidence base. The amount of data routinely collected on skin toxicity was limited making it difficult to quantify the extent of skin morbidity following radiotherapy.  Conclusion  The survey demonstrated variability in skin care practice in radiotherapy departments across the UK, with limited practice based on evidence or on skin toxicity measurement and monitoring.

Keywords
Radiotherapy; Radiation therapy; Skin care; Radiation dermatitis; Skin reactions; Evidence based practice

Journal
Radiography: Volume 18, Issue 1

People

Professor Mary Wells

Honorary Professor, NMAHP