Introducing an Emotion-Focused Experience Into the Radiation Therapy Classroom

摘要

Purpose To qualitatively assess the educational gains of radiation therapy students participating in a local pediatric grief camp. Methods Six first-year radiation therapy students participated in a pediatric grief camp hosted by a local hospice for children who have lost a parent or other important person. Data were collected in the form of student reflections before and after the camp. The investigator read the reflections and sorted them in to categories. Results Three main themes were identified from the student reflections: children are stronger emotionally than the students expected; children cope and express emotions differently, both from each other and from adults; and the tools students gained from being at the camp will benefit them in their professional practice. Discussion Radiation therapy education often does not include information about providing emotion-focused care and communication to patients. This lack has been linked to increased job stress and burnout; however, studies have found that increasing education in these areas can decrease job burnout and stress among radiation therapists. Thus, therapists could benefit from a better understanding of the role they could play in providing emotion-focused care. Study participants described their time at the camp as being emotional and enlightening and indicated that it gave them more confidence to broach sensitive subject matters while providing them with skills to use with patients in their professional practice. Conclusion Gaining skills in emotion-focused communication is valuable to future radiation therapists. Education curricula needs to provide students with learning opportunities that teach skills and provide tools they can use with various patient populations, including palliative, pediatric, and special needs.