S2657
RTT - Patient experience and quality of life
ESTRO 2026
Material/Methods: This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 11 men who had undergone EBRT to the prostate. Participants were recruited via purposive sampling through social media platforms (LinkedIn) and support groups. Inclusion criteria required participants to have followed bladder and bowel preparation protocols during treatment. Interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis within NVivo version 14 (3). A second reviewer independently identified themes to enhance analytical rigour. Results: Four main themes emerged from the data: 1. Awareness of the rationale behind bladder and bowel preparation 2. Attitudes shaped by treatment experiences 3. Perceived barriers to adherence 4. Communication of preparation protocols. Sub-themes included varying levels of understanding (ranging from poor to good), frustrations with preparation routines, lack of hospital facilities (e.g., toilets), and inconsistent dietary guidance. Participants generally found bladder filling more challenging than bowel emptying via micro-enemas. Conclusion: The study highlights variability in patients’ understanding and recall of bladder and bowel preparation protocols. While some participants demonstrated a good grasp of the rationale, others expressed confusion or frustration, particularly regarding bladder filling. These findings suggest a need for clearer, more consistent communication and improved support for patients undergoing prostate radiotherapy. Further research with larger, more diverse samples is recommended to inform best practices and enhance patient
Digital Poster 1559 Information needs of breast cancer patients at the end of radiotherapy: a qualitative exploration Kristina Crowley 1 , Annemarie Devine 1 , Andrew England 1 , Mark McEntee 1 , Aisling Barry 1,2 , Theresa O' Donovan 1 1 Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. 2 CancerResearch@UCC, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland Purpose/Objective: In Ireland, approximately one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime [1]. Radiotherapy is a key component of breast cancer management, most often used as adjuvant therapy following surgery to eliminate residual microscopic disease and reduce the risk of local recurrence [2,3]. As patients complete radiotherapy and transition into survivorship, the provision of clear and supportive information is essential to ensure continuity of care and emotional preparedness. This study aimed to explore whether breast cancer survivors felt they received adequate information at the end of their radiotherapy treatment and to identify any additional
informational needs. Material/Methods:
This ethically approved qualitative study recruited participants through breast cancer support groups. Eligible participants had completed a radical course of radiotherapy for breast cancer. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the information patients received upon completing treatment and what additional support they felt would have been beneficial. Interviews were recorded using Apple Voice Memos, transcribed by the researcher, and deleted after verification. Initial coding was performed manually by the research team following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework [7]. Gemini (Google AI) was used to assist in pattern recognition and cross- validation of themes. All AI-generated insights were reviewed and confirmed by human researchers to ensure interpretive accuracy. Results: Seven participants took part in the study. Key themes included a desire for more comprehensive information on managing side effects post-treatment and clearer signposting to support services. Participants also highlighted the importance of how and when information is delivered, expressing a preference for simple, plain-language formats. Several participants suggested that a formal acknowledgment or “last day” ritual could help mark the end of treatment and support emotional closure. Conclusion: This study identifies gaps in informational support for
experiences. References: Morgan, S. C., Hoffman, K. et al. (2018).
Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer: Executive Summary of an ASTRO, ASCO, and AUA Evidence-Based Guideline. Practical Radiation Oncology, 8(6), 354–360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prro.2018.08.002 Nightingale, H., Conroy, R., Elliott, T., Coyle, C., Wylie, J. P., & Choudhury, A. (2017). A national survey of current practices of preparation and management of radical prostate radiotherapy patients during treatment. Radiography. 23(2), 87–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2017.01.003 Braun V, Clarke V. (2006) Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qual Res Psychol. 3(2):77–101. doi:10.1191/1478088706qp063oa Keywords: patient experience, quality of life, education
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