S2660
RTT - Patient experience and quality of life
ESTRO 2026
Keywords: Liver SABR, SBRT, SGRT, Satisfaction
liver SABR treatment 2. The survey included 18 statements rated on a five-point Likert scale (strongly agree to strongly disagree) exploring communication, information, treatment comfort, and ease of achieving EEBH with SGRT. Open-text fields were also included for qualitative feedback. Responses were collated and analysed to identify trends and highlight potential service development opportunities. Results: Nine liver SABR patients treated in EEBH participated in the survey. The overall response demonstrated a high level of satisfaction with care and communication. All respondents (100%) either strongly agreed or agreed that radiation therapists explained the liver SABR treatment process well, and 89% perceived the therapists as experts in this treatment. Similarly, 88% understood fasting instructions, while 100% agreed that each treatment step was clearly explained. Written information leaflets were rated as helpful by 78% of respondents. Understanding and confidence regarding EEBH techniques with SGRT were strong, with 78% finding the SGRT coaching screen and therapist verbal guidance beneficial. 89% of patients agreed or strongly agreed that they felt in control of their breath when using SGRT for achieving EEBH. Anxiety related to achieving EEBH decreased with time with 89% indicating they were no longer anxious after initial treatments. Qualitative comments consistently praised the professionalism and clear explanations provided by the radiotherapy team, describing the experience as reassuring and
Digital Poster Highlight 1686 The bare truth – uncovering radiotherapy patients’ unease about tattoos and modesty Kylie Dundas 1,2 , Felicity Hudson 1,2 , Rachel Beldham- Collins 3,4 , Joseph Descallar 1 , Kathy Andrew 2 , Triet Dang 3,4 , Elizabeth Coles 2,5 , Liam O'Brien 3,4 , Michelle Roach 2 , Yolanda Surjan 5,6 , Shalini K Vinod 1,2 1 South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. 2 Liverpool & Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centres, Liverpool & Campbelltown HospitalsHospital, Sydney, Australia. 3 Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia. 4 Blacktown Cancer and Haematology Centre, Blacktown Hospital, Blacktown, Australia. 5 College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia. 6 Global Centre for Research and Training in Radiation Oncology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia Purpose/Objective: Patients undergoing radiotherapy are routinely required to undress and receive permanent tattoos. Modesty is an important factor influencing patients’ healthcare experiences and outcomes[1]. However, little is known about how feelings of unease due to exposure affect patients during radiotherapy. Many patients report ongoing psychological distress related to tattoos that become reminders of treatment[2]. Previous research has largely focused on women with breast cancer[2-5]. This study aimed to explore broader perceptions of modesty and tattoo-related discomfort among radiotherapy patients within an Australian multicultural context. Material/Methods: A 38-question multi-centre survey, was distributed to patients, in 5 languages, undergoing thoracic (female only) or pelvic radiotherapy in the most culturally diverse parts of Sydney, Australia[6]. Item response theory (IRT) was used to analyse the psychometric properties of unease. A structural equation model (SEM) identified factors associated with unease. Summative content analysis of free-text responses was conducted. Results: 312 participants responded (76% female, 69% thorax). 43% were born overseas and 65% spoke a language other than English. 10% indicated they were never informed about the need to undress, only 26% received this information in written format. 25% indicated they would have preferred an alternative to tattoos. This survey was reliable for patients with
supportive. Conclusion:
The findings demonstrate excellent patient satisfaction and confidence in the liver SABR radiotherapy service. Clear communication, professional expertise, and empathetic staff were key contributors to positive experiences. There was no negative feedback regarding the use of SGRT supporting its use as a motion management tool in this cohort of patients. Areas for continued development include greater administrative communication and updating of written information leaflets. References: 1. Hardcastle N, Gaudreault M, Yeo AU, Ungureanu E, Markham C, Barnes R, Chander S, Chu J. Selection of motion management in liver stereotactic body radiotherapy and its impact on treatment time. Phys Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2023;25:100407. doi:10.1016/j.phro.2022.12.004. ScienceDirect+2PubMed+2 2. Thayaparan AJ, Mahdi E. The Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (PSQ - 18) as an adaptable, reliable, and validated tool for use in various settings. Med Educ Online. 2013;18:21747. doi:10.3402/meo.v18i0.21747.
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