Abstract
Radiotherapy has an important role in the treatment of paediatric cancers. Paediatric radiotherapy, however, requires absolute precision and accuracy in delivering the prescribed dose. For radiotherapists, the complexity of performing paediatric radiotherapy treatment is augmented by time, pressure constraints and the patient's lack of cooperation due to fear and anxiety. Continually confronting uncooperative paediatric patients and emotional parents enhances radiotherapists’ anxiety and emotional challenges. Additionally, paediatric cancers are rare; as a result, radiotherapists' experiences in treating paediatric cancers are limited. Although there is evidence that radiotherapists treating paediatric patients face challenges, there is a paucity of literature in this regard. The multiple challenges that radiotherapists face could have an impact on the quality of patient care provided to paediatric patients if they are not recognised and reduced. Therefore, it becomes imperative to explore their experiences. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of radiotherapists treating paediatric patients and to develop guidelines to support radiotherapists. The research population included all qualified radiotherapists in Gauteng registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Data was collected through individual, in-depth, telephonic interviews, and a total of 17 participants were interviewed. Data saturation was reached. The researcher utilised the thematic analysis process to conduct a qualitative analysis of data. The research process required inductive reasoning to identify themes and deductive reasoning to relate the themes to established knowledge to develop guidelines. The current study identified the importance of radiotherapists gaining familiarity in paediatric radiotherapy to become competent radiotherapists. Furthermore, the study confirmed that radiotherapists treating paediatric patients work within a highly intense emotional context. Their closeness of contact with the paediatric patient, parents and family dimension has both positive and negative implications for their experiences. The necessity to advance the practical infrastructural areas and strive for enhanced professionalism to improve paediatric radiotherapy was emphasised. Guidelines were developed and recommendations made to address the issues identified in the current study to enhance radiotherapists' experiences of treating paediatric patients.
M.Tech. (Radiography)