Lead:  Rainbow Yu

This knowledge translation project is in partnership with the Victoria Cancer Center RT educator to create a RT Patient Educator/Navigator role where patient education will be delivered at the time of a radiation oncology new patient consult, or between the consult and CT simulation appointments.  

Background & Rationale:

Clinician experience at BC Cancer Victoria shows that patients receiving GI, GU, and gyne treatment often arrive for their radiation planning CT appointments without proper bowel or bladder preparation. Many are unaware of the prep protocol or its importance for CT and treatment. Some patients also express anxiety about whether to proceed. These circumstances delay treatment, create additional work to rebook appointments, and leave CT time unused. Introducing a RT Patient Educator role to assist with radiation oncology, provide advance education on radiation treatment and CT simulation could help. Research shows that providing information and support after the initial consultation can reduce anxiety and improve the patient experience (Jimenez et al., 2018). 

 

Goals:

 
The goal of this project is to improve patient experience by providing patient education regarding the radiation treatment process in the beginning of their journey.
  1. Provide the patient and family with necessary information regarding radiation treatment early.
 
  1. Reduce the cancellation of CT simulation appointments by ensuring patient understands and follows the bowel/bladder prep instructions required for radiation planning and treatment.
 
  1. Supplement the radiation oncology consults with any radiation-related technical inquiries.
 

Implementation (4 Phases): 

  1. Review current available educational materials & videos, develop a workflow guide, and create tumor site-specific education templates to standardize the delivery of educational content.  
  2. Provide in-person training sessions to RTs regarding the practice change, including educational materials, guides to the workflow involving interdisciplinary team members, and ideal timing for education throughout the patient journey.
  3. Pilot the new role and workflow for patients undergoing RT consultation for GU and gyne sites for 3 months, then evaluate the practice change by conducting patient/staff satisfaction surveys and comparing CT appointment cancellation data before and after the practice change.  
  4. Support expanded roll out of the RT patient education workflow using a “Train-the-trainer” model. 
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