S2658
RTT - Patient experience and quality of life
ESTRO 2026
Material/Methods: This ethically approved qualitative study recruited participants via email, targeting healthcare professionals involved in radiation therapy and individuals with lived experience of radiotherapy. Over a seven-week period (February–April 2025), semi- structured interviews were conducted online using Microsoft Teams. Participants included radiation therapists (RTTs), radiation oncologists (ROs), and individuals with lived experience of radiotherapy. The interviews explored perceptions of essential app features, potential benefits, and drawbacks. Data were transcribed and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, supported by NVivo software. Results: Ten participants (seven healthcare professionals and three individuals with lived experience of radiotherapy) contributed rich insights. Key features identified for the app included access to supportive information, educational resources, and practical guidance—such as illustrative videos, electronic patient leaflets, and advice on managing side effects. Participants believed these features could reduce anxiety, improve understanding, and empower patients throughout their treatment. The app was also seen as a tool to enhance communication and continuity of care. Conclusion: Findings align with existing research on cancer support apps, which show positive impacts on patient wellbeing. Participants expressed strong interest in an
patients completing breast radiotherapy. Survivors expressed a need for clearer guidance on post- treatment care and emotional support, as well as a more structured and meaningful conclusion to their radiotherapy journey. Future research could focus on co-designing an end-of-treatment information leaflet or developing a formalised send-off experience to enhance patient wellbeing and continuity of care. References: Breast Cancer Ireland. Facts and Figures. BREAST CANCER IRELAND. Published in 2018. https://www.breastcancerireland.com/education- awareness/facts-and-figures/Hennequin C, Belkacémi Y, Bourgier C, et al. Radiotherapy of breast cancer. Cancer/Radiothérapie.2022;26(1-2):221- 230.doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canrad.2021.11.013 Luz FAC da, Marinho E da C, Nascimento CP, et al. The effectiveness of radiotherapy in preventing disease recurrence after breast cancer surgery. Surgical Oncology. 2022;41:101709. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.suronc.2022.101709 Brau n V, Clarke V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology. 2006;3(2):77-101. doi:https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa Keywords: education, survivorship, quality of life Understanding perspectives on designing and implementing a healthcare application to support radiotherapy patients: a qualitative study. Alana Murphy-Dooley 1 , Annemarie Devine 1 , Andrew England 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: Cancer treatment involves a multidisciplinary team and presents numerous challenges for patients and their families [1]. Treatments while effective, can have significant psychological impacts, including increased anxiety and reduced quality of life (QoL) [2-3]. Patients often report feeling overwhelmed and underinformed during their treatment journey. A healthcare application (app) that integrates reliable information, support services, and guidance could help patients navigate radiotherapy more confidently, improving their overall experience. This study aimed to explore perceptions of both healthcare professionals and individuals with lived experience of radiotherapy regarding the development and implementation of a healthcare app designed to support individuals undergoing radiotherapy. Digital Poster Highlight 1593
app that offers clear, accessible, and timely information. The contrast between current
information delivery methods and the perceived benefits of a digital support tool highlights the potential value of implementing such an app. Incorporating patient and clinician perspectives into its design could lead to a more supportive, patient- centred radiotherapy experience. References: 1. Ko č o L, Weekenstroo HHA, Lambregts DMJ, Sedelaar JP M, Prokop M, Fütterer JJ, et al. The Effects of Multidisciplinary Team Meetings on Clinical Practice for Colorectal, Lung, Prostate and Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review. Cancers. 2021 Jan;13(16):4159.2. Caruso R, Nanni ,Mara Giulia, Riba ,Michelle B., Sabato ,Silvana, and Grassi L. The burden of psychosocial morbidity related to cancer: patient and family issues. International Review of Psychiatry. 2017 Sep 3;29(5):389–402. 3. Costa DS, Mercieca - bebber ,Rebecca, Rutherford ,Claudia, Gabb ,Liam, and King MT. The Impact of Cancer on Psychological and Social Outcomes. Australian Psychologist. 2016 Apr 1;51(2):89–99. Keywords: digital healthcare, patient support, communication
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