Title : Improving patient preparedness for radiation therapy through a nurse led pre treatment telephone call: A proposed quality improvement initiative
Abstract:
Background: Patients beginning radiation therapy often experience anxiety, uncertainty, and information overload before treatment begins. Although education is provided during consultation and simulation visits, many patients develop additional questions after returning home. Inadequate preparation may increase anxiety, misconceptions about treatment, and uncertainty regarding expected side effects.
Purpose: This proposed quality improvement initiative aims to evaluate the impact of a nurse-led pre-treatment telephone call on patient preparedness, understanding of radiation therapy, and the overall treatment experience.
Proposed Intervention: Patients scheduled to begin radiation therapy would receive a structured telephone call from a radiation oncology nurse before their first treatment. The nurse would review treatment expectations, anticipated side effects, self-care recommendations, appointment logistics, and supportive care resources while addressing patient questions and concerns.
Evaluation Metrics:
• Percentage of patients successfully contacted before treatment
• Patient-reported preparedness
• Patient-reported anxiety before the first treatment
• Patient satisfaction with pre-treatment education
• Number and types of questions addressed
• First-treatment attendance rates
Expected Outcomes: The intervention is expected to improve preparedness, reduce anxiety, enhance understanding of treatment expectations, and increase satisfaction with pre-treatment education while strengthening the nurse-patient relationship.
Implications for Nursing Practice: A nurse led pre treatment telephone call offers a simple, patient-centered strategy to reinforce education, reduce uncertainty, and improve the radiation therapy experience. This intervention has the potential to enhance patient-centered care and support implementation of evidence-based nursing practice in radiation oncology.
