The lived experiences of radiotherapists treating paediatric patients: Gauteng, South Africa

Background: Paediatric cancers are rare and more complex than adult cancers. Consequently, treatment for paediatric cancers is complex, requiring absolute precision and accuracy in delivering the prescribed dose. For radiotherapists, the complexity of performing paediatric radiotherapy treatment is augmented by its rarity, time and pressure constraints, the patient's lack of cooperation, anxiety and emotional challenges. These multiple challenges may affect the quality of patient care if they are not recognised and reduced. Therefore, this study explored radiotherapists experience of treating paediatric patients. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of radiotherapists treating paediatric patients. Methods: This qualitative phenomenological study purposively sampled qualified radiotherapists involved in paediatric treatment planning and delivery in Gauteng, South Africa. Data were collected through 17 individual, in-depth interviews and underwent thematic analysis. Results: Thematic analysis identified the emotional context in which radiotherapists work when treating paediatric patients and how radiotherapists’ familiarity affects their experience of treating paediatric patients. The closeness of contact with the paediatric patient, parents and family dimension impacted participants positively and negatively. Conclusion: The study confirmed that radiotherapists treating paediatric patients work within a highly intense emotional context. The importance of gaining familiarity and experience in paediatric radiotherapy to enhance competency, was identified. Radiotherapist's experienced both positive and negative implications due to their close contact with the paediatric patient, parents and family dimension. The necessity to advance the practical infrastructural areas and strive for enhanced professionalism to improve paediatric radiotherapy was thus emphasised.