Oral & Poster Presentation – Clinical Abstracts Archive
UK & Ireland Prostate Brachytherapy Conference 2016
Abstract number 5
Training for care of prostate brachytherapy patients
Wang Y*
*Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Training for care of prostate brachytherapy patients
INTRODUCTION: Brachytherapy is a technique for treating localised prostate cancer using tiny radioactive seeds of Iodine-125 (I125) that are inserted permanently into the prostate gland. 1 The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic. Post operatively the patient will be cared for on either the Oncology or Wytham ward before being discharged home on the following day. Staff training is crucial and must follow the local rules for radiation protection for care of brachytherapy patients.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The need for the training had been highlighted by the occurrence of three incidents involving the post-operative care of prostate brachytherapy patients. The training aims to enable all registered nurses to feel confident and competent in caring for the prostate brachytherapy patient safely on the wards. It should also assess the nurses’ competencies in the knowledge and skills for the effective management of brachytherapy patients post training sessions.
TRAINING PROCESS:
1. Initial plan
2. Engage the ward managers and PDN
3. Tailored training package
4. Running the training
5. Evaluation of the training
6. Further development
OUTCOMES: There were 19 registered nurses attended training from two wards. The competencies assessment pass rate was 75% at the first time. The training outcome was evaluated after three months. It was found that there had been no near misses or incidents on the wards relating to brachytherapy patients.
FURTHER DEVELOPMENT: To revise the training content and format and negotiate with the ward managers to include the training in the new staff induction programme. To refresh training for all registered nurses will be every other year.
References:
1. The Royal College of Radiologists. Quality assurance practice for transperineal LDR permanent seed brachytherapy of prostate cancer. London: The Royal College of Radiologists, 2012 2. Ionising Radiation Regulation 1999. Health and Safety Executive Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IRMER) 2000, Legislation.gov.uk