Abstract
Radiotherapy plays an important role in paediatric cancer treatment. Due to children’s unique needs, the delivery of paediatric radiotherapy treatment requires a tailored approach from the radiotherapist. Recent studies have found that radiotherapists perceive the need to develop their skills in paediatric care. One possible approach to paediatric radiotherapy skills development is through the role of the Specialist Paediatric Radiotherapist (SPRT). An SPRT is a radiotherapist who specialises in the management of children undergoing radiotherapy. Despite the benefits of the SPRT reported in the literature, the SPRT's role has not been established in South Africa. This gap may restrict the capacity of South Africa’s oncology services to meet the needs of radiotherapists and provide optimal care to paediatric patients. The perceptions of local radiotherapists would be informative in determining if the SPRT role may be viable and potentially beneficial in the South African context.
The aim of this qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive research study was to explore and describe the perceptions of radiotherapists regarding the role of the SPRT in Johannesburg, South Africa. The following objectives were formulated to support this aim:
a)
To explore and describe the perceptions of radiotherapists on the role of the SPRT in Johannesburg, South Africa.
b)
To provide recommendations for improving holistic paediatric radiotherapy care in Johannesburg.
The study employed a non-probability, purposeful, criterion-based sampling strategy. Data was collected through five semi-structured focus-group interviews with 13 qualified radiotherapists who were registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and had been involved in the planning and/or delivery of radiotherapy treatment to children in Johannesburg. The central question which guided the focus-group interviews was: “What are your thoughts on the role of specialist paediatric radiotherapists?” Data was collected until data saturation was reached. The focus-group interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed through a multi-step, inductive, open-coding process to uncover themes which reflected the participants’ views and perceptions.
The five themes that emerged from the study findings told a story of the experiences of radiotherapists in Johannesburg when treating paediatric patients. The participants shared their challenges when treating paediatric patients and the techniques they used to enhance paediatric radiotherapy processes. They explored the perceived impact of the SPRT role, discussed the need to support professional growth and development, and considered the local implementation of the SPRT role. The implications of the study findings in the South African context are presented. Recommendations for radiotherapy practice, education, and future research are subsequently provided to facilitate an improvement in current paediatric radiotherapy practice in South Africa.