RAPPORT: Reduce Anxiety for Patients with Physicist appOintments in RadioTherapy
The RAPPORT study aims to reduce anxiety in patients receiving radiotherapy. Many people feel worried about their treatment, which can impact their well-being. Radiotherapy treatments are getting shorter, meaning patients have less time to get used to the clinic environment and machines. This study tries a new idea: patients might have an extra chat with a medical physicist. These specialists usually don't directly work with patients but know all about how the treatment machines work and how your treatment is planned. The goal is to see if this extra conversation helps answer technical questions, making patients feel more at ease and less anxious during their radiotherapy journey.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When you have radiotherapy, it's very common to feel a bit anxious or worried. In fact, about half of all people having this treatment experience these feelings. This can sometimes make people feel less well overall, and it might even affect how they cope with side effects. As radiotherapy treatments are getting quicker, there's less time to get used to the big machines and new surroundings, which can add to these worries.
This study, called RAPPORT, wants to find new ways to help patients feel more comfortable and less anxious. We believe that focusing more on what patients need and how they feel is really important. We're looking at whether having a special chat with a medical physicist could make a difference. These are experts who understand all the technical parts of your radiotherapy, from how the machines are kept in working order to how your specific treatment plan is created. They have a complete picture of your journey, even though they usually don't talk directly with patients.
The idea is that this extra conversation with a medical physicist could answer some of your questions about the technical side of your treatment. Hopefully, by understanding more about how everything works, you might feel less worried and more confident about your care. This study is taking place at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, and we hope it will help us find better ways to support patients going through radiotherapy.
Key takeaways
- Targets anxiety in radiotherapy patients.
- Explores if talking to a medical physicist helps.
- Involves answering questionnaires at key stages.
- Some patients will have an extra 20-30 minute chat.
- Aims for better patient comfort and understanding.
Who may be eligible?
This study is for adults aged 18 to 100 who are having a specific type of radiotherapy called 'radical radiotherapy' at the Robert White Radiotherapy Centre. This is for people whose cancer or other condition has been properly diagnosed by a doctor.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you are under 18, or if you find it hard to understand the study information or fill in questionnaires, perhaps because English isn't your main language. Also, if your medical notes show you have an ongoing mental health condition that might affect the study, or if you're already taking part in another study that looks at patient experiences, you wouldn't be able to join.
Finally, if you're having radiotherapy for comfort (palliative treatment) or in an emergency, or if you are in prison, you won't be able to participate in this particular study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you having a type of radiotherapy called 'radical radiotherapy' at the Robert White Radiotherapy Centre?
- Are you able to fill in questionnaires in English?
- Are you not currently part of another patient-experience study?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be asked to fill in some questionnaires at three different times: once when you're having your planning scan for radiotherapy, again when you have your very first radiotherapy treatment, and then a final time when you have your last treatment. These questionnaires help us understand how you're feeling.
Some participants will also have an extra conversation that lasts about 20 to 30 minutes with a medical physicist. This special chat will happen on the same day as your first radiotherapy treatment. The study is expected to run from January 2025 to April 2026.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyPoole, England
Common questions
What is radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, while trying to cause as little harm as possible to healthy cells.
What is a medical physicist?
A medical physicist is a specialist who works behind the scenes in hospitals, making sure radiotherapy machines are safe and working correctly, and helping to plan your treatment accurately.
Do I have to take part?
No, taking part in any study is completely up to you. Your decision won't affect your medical care in any way.
Will I get paid for participating?
The study information doesn't mention any payment for taking part.
How will my information be used?
The information you provide in questionnaires will be used to help researchers understand if the extra consultation with a medical physicist helps reduce anxiety in patients.
How to find out more
Charlie Martin
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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