Kivistik Siret, Metsälä Eija, Virtanen Heli
University of Turku, Department of Nursing Science, Turku, Finland.
Tartu University of Applied Sciences, Department of Radiography and Biomedical Laboratory Science, Tartu, Estonia.
Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol. 2025 Apr 20;34:100312. doi: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2025.100312. eCollection 2025 Jun.
This integrative review investigates perceptions, educational expectations, and knowledge gaps of patients with breast cancer (BC) regarding radiotherapy (RT).
The included studies were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Each segment of data was coded with open coding. The codes were gathered into subthemes as they emerged and into overarching themes, after which the data was analysed again.
22 studies were included: 11 qualitative, 10 cross-sectional, and 1 case study. Our findings indicate that breast cancer patients perceptions of radiation therapy (RT) are influenced by their understanding of RT, its side effects, the treatment burden, emotional state or feelings, effectiveness if RT, prognosis, and viewing RT as the end-of-care phase. They expect education on the treatment pathway, psychosocial support, personalised aspects of RT, planning, delivery, follow-up, and side effects. Additionally, women undergoing RT have knowledge gaps related to preparedness and support, unforeseen risks and side effects, as well as daily practical issues.
Tailored, culturally sensitive education is essential to bridge gaps in understanding, manage anxiety, and build trust. It requires individualized communication strategies and psychosocial support. By integrating personalized information and leveraging technological solutions, healthcare providers can empower patients, improve adherence, and enhance outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings.
本整合性综述调查了乳腺癌（BC）患者对放射治疗（RT）的认知、教育期望和知识差距。
采用主题分析法对纳入的研究进行分析。数据的每个部分都采用开放编码进行编码。随着代码的出现，将其归纳为子主题，然后再归纳为总体主题，之后再次对数据进行分析。
纳入22项研究：11项定性研究、10项横断面研究和1项案例研究。我们的研究结果表明，乳腺癌患者对放射治疗（RT）的认知受以下因素影响：他们对RT的理解、其副作用、治疗负担、情绪状态或感受、RT的有效性、预后以及将RT视为护理末期阶段。他们期望获得有关治疗途径、心理社会支持、RT的个性化方面、计划、实施、随访和副作用的教育。此外，接受RT的女性在准备和支持、不可预见的风险和副作用以及日常实际问题方面存在知识差距。
量身定制、具有文化敏感性的教育对于弥合认知差距、管理焦虑和建立信任至关重要。这需要个性化的沟通策略和心理社会支持。通过整合个性化信息并利用技术解决方案，医疗保健提供者可以增强患者的能力、提高依从性并改善治疗效果，特别是在资源有限的环境中。
