2016 Dec;20(8):765-767. doi: 10.1016/j.canrad.2016.02.010. Epub 2016 Oct 26.

Evaluation of patients' engagement in radiation

therapy safety.
Pernet A1, Mollo V2, Bibault JE3, Giraud P4.
Author information
1
UMR 5044, centre d'étude et de recherche travail, organisation, pouvoir (Certop), CNRS, maison
de la recherche MSH, 5, allées Antonio-Machado, 31058 Toulouse, France; EA 4132, laboratoire
d'ergonomie, centre de recherche sur le travail et le développement (CRTD), 41, rue Gay-Lussac,
75005 Paris, France. Electronic address: apernet@univ.tlse2.fr.
2
UMR 5044, centre d'étude et de recherche travail, organisation, pouvoir (Certop), CNRS, maison
de la recherche MSH, 5, allées Antonio-Machado, 31058 Toulouse, France.
3
Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 12, rue de l'École-de-médecine, 75006 Paris,
France.
4
Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 12, rue de l'École-de-médecine, 75006 Paris,
France; Service d'oncologie radiothérapie, hôpital européen Georges-Pompidou, 20, rue Leblanc,
75015 Paris, France.
Abstract
PURPOSE:
Treatment safety has become a priority in health policies after several incidents occurred around the
world in radiation oncology departments. The aim of this study was to analyse the patients'
contribution in that field and to understand which actions empower the patientin that regard.

METHODS:
Several methods were used in a general hospital and in a comprehensive cancer centre to analyse
the activities of the radiation therapists and the patients and the interactions between them:
treatment session observations, semidirective interviews with radiation therapists and patients, self
and alloconfrontation with radiation therapists and explanatory interviews with patients.

RESULTS:
Cooperation of the patients in treatment safety acts as an additional step that contributes to safer
treatments. Radiation therapy sessions are a creative opportunity for the patient to observe, learn
and analyse what is happening. Changes between treatment sessions are a source of anxiety for the
patients. This study highlights the factors that favour the patients' participation. A trusting relationship
and support from the health professionals can be leveraged in that manner.

CONCLUSION:
There is a common will shared between the patients and the health professionals towards better
treatment safety. The cooperation is still not well-known and underused. This empowerment of
the patient cannot be mandatory but should be promoted and developed.