Is There A Need To Make The Radiotherapy Bunkers More Patient Friendly?

  • Lokesh Viswanath M.D Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore
  • Naveen Thimmaiah Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore
  • Sanjay S Supe Professor, Department of Radiation Physics, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore.
Keywords: Teletherapy, Radiotherapy, Bunker, Maze Construction, Radiation protection, Linear Accelerator

Abstract

Objective: To survey the patient's perspective of the Teletherapy Bunker and to take measures to make them patient friendly inside and outside the Teletherapy bunkers. Methods: 41 patients (Age 30 66 yrs) on Teletherapy were interviewed individually and were shown various types teletherapy bunkers and their interior decorations that currently exist in the Department of Radiation Oncology. There are 6 Telecobalt Bunkers, 1- Linear accelerator bunker at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology . The patients were shown various local environments and asked for their opinion regarding need for improving the local environment in the treatment zone in order to boost the patient morale and psychological well being. Results: On the first treatment day 29.2% of the patients expressed anxiety. 60.97% of the patients felt the need for wall poster with nature, animals &. Artistic painting was preferred by 26.82%. 7.3% of patients preferred interior decorations with artificial flowers and plants. Conclusion: There is a need to make the radiotherapy bunkers more users friendly and the patients comfort have to be of utmost importance. A good design & interior decoration with adequate lighting contributes directly to the therapeutic success by reducing patients' negative agitation and fears and giving them a sense of security at the same time.

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Published
2017-09-15
How to Cite
M.D, L. V., Thimmaiah, N., & Supe, S. S. (2017). Is There A Need To Make The Radiotherapy Bunkers More Patient Friendly?. Asian Journal of Medical Research, 6(4), 11-12. Retrieved from https://aijournals.com/index.php/ajmr/article/view/166