Perceptions, educational expectations and knowledge gaps of patients with non-metastatic breast cancer regarding radiotherapy: Integrative review
Objective: This integrative review investigates perceptions, educational expectations, and knowledge gaps of patients with breast cancer (BC) regarding radiotherapy (RT). Methods: The included studies were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Each segment of data was coded with open coding....
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Technical Innovations & Patient Support in Radiation Oncology |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405632425000137 |
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| author | Siret Kivistik Eija Metsälä Heli Virtanen |
| author_facet | Siret Kivistik Eija Metsälä Heli Virtanen |
| author_sort | Siret Kivistik |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Objective: This integrative review investigates perceptions, educational expectations, and knowledge gaps of patients with breast cancer (BC) regarding radiotherapy (RT). Methods: The included studies were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Each segment of data was coded with open coding. The codes were gathered into subthemes as they emerged and into overarching themes, after which the data was analysed again. Results: 22 studies were included: 11 qualitative, 10 cross-sectional, and 1 case study. Our findings indicate that breast cancer patients perceptions of radiation therapy (RT) are influenced by their understanding of RT, its side effects, the treatment burden, emotional state or feelings, effectiveness if RT, prognosis, and viewing RT as the end-of-care phase. They expect education on the treatment pathway, psychosocial support, personalised aspects of RT, planning, delivery, follow-up, and side effects. Additionally, women undergoing RT have knowledge gaps related to preparedness and support, unforeseen risks and side effects, as well as daily practical issues. Conclusion: Tailored, culturally sensitive education is essential to bridge gaps in understanding, manage anxiety, and build trust. It requires individualized communication strategies and psychosocial support. By integrating personalized information and leveraging technological solutions, healthcare providers can empower patients, improve adherence, and enhance outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-cd7ca69e4d0b4cd184cc5ded803ddcb0 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2405-6324 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Technical Innovations & Patient Support in Radiation Oncology |
| spelling | doaj-art-cd7ca69e4d0b4cd184cc5ded803ddcb02025-08-20T03:21:00ZengElsevierTechnical Innovations & Patient Support in Radiation Oncology2405-63242025-06-013410031210.1016/j.tipsro.2025.100312Perceptions, educational expectations and knowledge gaps of patients with non-metastatic breast cancer regarding radiotherapy: Integrative reviewSiret Kivistik0Eija Metsälä1Heli Virtanen2University of Turku, Department of Nursing Science, Turku, Finland; Tartu University of Applied Sciences, Department of Radiography and Biomedical Laboratory Science, Tartu, Estonia; Tartu University Hospital, Department of Radiation Therapy and Oncology, Tartu, Estonia; Corresponding author at: Valgjarve 6-20, Kose, Vorumaa, Estonia.University of Turku, Department of Nursing Science, Turku, Finland; Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Healthcare and Nursing, Helsinki, FinlandUniversity of Turku, Department of Nursing Science, Turku, FinlandObjective: This integrative review investigates perceptions, educational expectations, and knowledge gaps of patients with breast cancer (BC) regarding radiotherapy (RT). Methods: The included studies were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Each segment of data was coded with open coding. The codes were gathered into subthemes as they emerged and into overarching themes, after which the data was analysed again. Results: 22 studies were included: 11 qualitative, 10 cross-sectional, and 1 case study. Our findings indicate that breast cancer patients perceptions of radiation therapy (RT) are influenced by their understanding of RT, its side effects, the treatment burden, emotional state or feelings, effectiveness if RT, prognosis, and viewing RT as the end-of-care phase. They expect education on the treatment pathway, psychosocial support, personalised aspects of RT, planning, delivery, follow-up, and side effects. Additionally, women undergoing RT have knowledge gaps related to preparedness and support, unforeseen risks and side effects, as well as daily practical issues. Conclusion: Tailored, culturally sensitive education is essential to bridge gaps in understanding, manage anxiety, and build trust. It requires individualized communication strategies and psychosocial support. By integrating personalized information and leveraging technological solutions, healthcare providers can empower patients, improve adherence, and enhance outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405632425000137Breast cancerRadiotherapyEducational expectationsPerceptionsKnowledge gaps |
| spellingShingle | Siret Kivistik Eija Metsälä Heli Virtanen Perceptions, educational expectations and knowledge gaps of patients with non-metastatic breast cancer regarding radiotherapy: Integrative review Technical Innovations & Patient Support in Radiation Oncology Breast cancer Radiotherapy Educational expectations Perceptions Knowledge gaps |
| title | Perceptions, educational expectations and knowledge gaps of patients with non-metastatic breast cancer regarding radiotherapy: Integrative review |
| title_full | Perceptions, educational expectations and knowledge gaps of patients with non-metastatic breast cancer regarding radiotherapy: Integrative review |
| title_fullStr | Perceptions, educational expectations and knowledge gaps of patients with non-metastatic breast cancer regarding radiotherapy: Integrative review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Perceptions, educational expectations and knowledge gaps of patients with non-metastatic breast cancer regarding radiotherapy: Integrative review |
| title_short | Perceptions, educational expectations and knowledge gaps of patients with non-metastatic breast cancer regarding radiotherapy: Integrative review |
| title_sort | perceptions educational expectations and knowledge gaps of patients with non metastatic breast cancer regarding radiotherapy integrative review |
| topic | Breast cancer Radiotherapy Educational expectations Perceptions Knowledge gaps |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405632425000137 |
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