Explaining the Invisible - V1.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Explaining the Invisible - A study to evaluate the effectiveness of delivering radiotherapy treatment information in a visual manner using the PEARL system
IRAS ID
210567
Contact name
Victoria Sykes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hull and East Yorshire NHS Hospitals Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
Radiotherapy uses high doses of x-rays directed at tumours to kill them, an unfortunate side effect is healthy surrounding tissue will receive some of the x-ray dose and is damaged. Approximately 22% of radiotherapy patients receive treatment to cure prostate cancer. The technique used requires patients to maintain full bladder and empty bowel because they are next to the prostate, the aim of radiotherapy planning is to minimise the radiation dose received to healthy organs and tissues as this will reduce side effects.
PEARL is commercial interactive PC software that shows realistic and functional 3D models of Linac’s (machines that deliver radiotherapy treatment). Using PEARL it’s possible to display realistic patient treatments including how an individual would be laid on a treatment couch and how the machine will move and sound during treatment. Additionally PEARL provides the opportunity to look inside the body to view internal anatomy and show where the radiotherapy treatment is directed.
Information prior to treatment in radiotherapy is normally given verbally one to one. We believe this information can be more easily understood if PEARL is used in conjunction with this verbal exchange. PEARL gives visual and audio representation of the treatment experience, and demonstrates the reasons behind required preparations.
Research aim is to demonstrate patients who receive information using PEARL have greater understanding, reduced anxiety and reduced radiation dose. This will be tested using two groups of patients receiving radiotherapy to the prostate. Group A – Verbal information, Group B – Verbal information and PEARL demonstration.
Data collection is via patient questionnaires and review of Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) images that are taken prior to each radiotherapy treatment as standard practice. CBCT’s are used to locate the treatment area and assess bladder and bowel status and ensure all of these are suitable to deliver treatment accurately.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0426
Date of REC Opinion
2 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion