TITLE:
Experiences of Women Receiving Multifraction High Dose-Rate Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer: A Prospective Qualitative Study
AUTHORS:
Kenza Benali, Tayeb Kebdani, Khalid Hassouni, Hanan El Kacemi, Sanaa El Majjaoui, Noureddine Benjaafar
KEYWORDS:
Brachytherapy, High Dose-Rate, Cervical Cancer, Qualitative Study, Experiences
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.13 No.6,
June
10,
2022
ABSTRACT: Objective: The aim of this study was to establish cervical cancer patients’
expectations and experiences during high dose-rate (HDR) intracavitary
brachytherapy procedure, as part of a process to develop guidelines for quality
patient-centered care. Methodology: A prospective, qualitative study
with a descriptive phenomenological approach was used. Purposive sampling was
carried out to recruit 31 women undergoing HDR brachytherapy for cervical
cancer from June to August 2020 at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat. Semi-structured,
one-to-one interviews guided by a theme list were conducted by a female
radiation oncologist in Arabic before, during and after treatment. The
following aspects were discussed: expectations, experiences in the waiting
room, in the treatment room, and suggestions for improvement. Data was
transcribed, translated and thematic analysis performed. Results: Most
of the patients felt unprepared and did not have a clear understanding of
brachytherapy. Brachytherapy was a difficult experience causing fear and
anxiety throughout treatment. Most women dreaded the procedure, before
receiving the first treatment and even after having had one. Pain was
a major problem for the participants. Some women compared this pain to
childbirth, a process they preferred to brachytherapy. Patients agreed that the
preventative medication received was not efficient to relieve the pain. Despite
these negative experiences, patients were left with a positive outlook.
Dialogue with the healthcare professionals, support from their family and
fellow patients, envisaged outcomes and desires to heal were used to cope,
whilst faith and spirituality gave them strength to endure the procedure. Conclusion: Women undergoing uterovaginal
brachytherapy for cervical cancer experience pain and emotional distress.
Providing patients with adequate information, more sensitive support during the
procedure and debriefing afterwards could lessen feelings of fear and anxiety.
Our findings advocate for the revision of pain management protocols. Further
studies should be carried out to define patient-centered recommendations and
provide quality care to this group of women.