Supportive Care in Radiotherapy

More than 50% of people with cancer have radiotherapy at some time during their illness, yet their needs for supportive care have received little attention compared with the needs of patients undergoing other types of cancer treatment. Unlike other texts, which concentrate on the planning and delivery of radiotherapy, this book addresses the impact of treatment on the individual and the issues facing health carers who provide clinical and supportive care.

Supportive care in radiotherapy integrates key aspects of assessment, physical and psychosocial morbidity and toxicity management, placing these in the physical, psychosocial and organisational context in which they occur. Patients' perspectives are used throughout the text to illustrate the physical and emotional experience of radiotherapy and the difficulties facing patients who are in transition through the system. New and innovative approaches to patient care are discussed as well as challenges facing radiotherapy practitioners today. Practical advice on the assessment and clinical management of acute and late side effects is provided. Critical reviews of the current evidence base are included, along with future directions for clinical research and development.

Written by a multi-professional group of authors, this book is aimed primarily at nurses and therapy radiographers but is also relevant to hospital and community doctors and nurses who encounter patients before, during and after radiotherapy. The book will be suitable for undergraduates and postgraduates, as it relates current research findings and theory to the clinical practice environment, within the context of cancer care delivery in the 21st century.

The drawing together of the physical and psychological impact of radiotherapy is an important feature that is absent in other books on this subject - no other books address supportive care which makes this a unique resource for healthcare professionals in this field

The evidence-based approach using critical analysis of research and the discussion of alternative approaches to caregives greater depth than competing books

The level of clinical and research material makes the book relevant at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Accessible but academic style

Summary of key clinical points in most chapters help identify relevant points for practice.

Areas for further research highlighted along with useful website addresses where appropriate

Patient's perspectives are used throughout the text, through qualitative data, to illustrate experiences of symptoms - unique in radiotherapy books.

The integration of scientific, clinical and academic evidence makes it attractive to clinicians. Especially the use of case studies and patient quotes to illustrate aspects of care, including new and innovative approaches.

Examples of approaches to assessment and management, organisation of care, practice development andresearch will make the book appeal to a wider audience

Contributions from cancer and community nurses, radiographers and clinical oncologists will enhance the relevance of this book to a multiprofessional audience.

""This is an essential text for nurses and other healthcare professionals whose concern is with those undergoing radiation therapy. Comprehensively indexed, it provides the detail needed by senior nurses, teachers and researchers. "" Gill Oliver, Nursing Standarts, January 2004