Patient and practitioner perspectives on the design of a simulated affective touch device to reduce procedural anxiety associated with radiotherapy: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The aim of this study was to elicit the views of relevant stakeholders on the design of a device using simulated affective touch to reduce procedural anxiety surrounding radiotherapy and imaging.

Design

This qualitative study collected data from focus groups which were then analysed using inductive thematic analysis in line with Braun and Clarke's methods.

Participants and setting

Twenty patients and carers were recruited, as well as 10 healthcare practitioners involved in either delivering radiotherapy or imaging procedures.

Results

Patients, carers and healthcare practitioners agreed on some aspects of the device design, such as ensuring the device is warm and flexible in where it can be used on the body. However, patient and healthcare practitioner

SUBMITTER: Hall H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8928300 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature