How to talk to patients

Question 1

What is a professional way to introduce yourself to a patient?

Answer 1

Good morning/afternoon, my name is (Your Name). Are you (Patient’s Name)? It’s good to meet you. I will be your Radiation Therapist (or student).

Question 2

What should you do if the patient is accompanied by someone?

Answer 2

Ask, “Are you alone today? Or who is this with you?” Then introduce yourself to the companion as well.

Question 3

What should you ask the patient if they appear to need help?

Answer 3

Ask, “How can I help?” If necessary, offer assistance with a wheelchair or help carrying items.

Question 4

What should you do before leaving the waiting room with a patient?

Answer 4

Lead the way, gesture for them to follow, and hold the door if necessary.

Question 5

What should you tell the patient about the treatment plan when arriving at the clinic?

Answer 5

Reassure the patient: “I’m sure you have questions. My partner and I will answer them once we get to the treatment room.”

Question 6

What should the patient know if they need to change before treatment?

Answer 6

Take them to the changing room, explain what clothing to remove, how to wear the gown, and what to do with personal items. Make sure they understand where to meet you after changing.

Question 7

What are some common patient questions on the first visit?

Answer 7

Can my companion come with me?
What’s going to happen today?
Will I see the doctor?
How long will this take?
Will I get radiation today?
Will it hurt?

Question 8

How should you respond if a patient asks, “Will I be getting radiation today?”

Answer 8

Explain that they usually won’t receive radiation on their first visit, but x-ray images will be taken to check their treatment plan.

Question 9

How should you reassure patients if they ask if they will be radioactive?

Answer 9

Let them know they are never radioactive. Friends, relatives, and pets are safe to be around them after treatment.

Question 10

What is a “Time Out” in the treatment process?

Answer 10

A “Time Out” is required before entering the treatment room. Ask the patient to state their name, date of birth, and what is being treated.

Question 11

What do you explain to the patient (on sim day) once they are on the treatment table?

Answer 11

Tell them that today will be a final check before starting treatments, and you will adjust their body to align the tattoos with the lasers.

Question 12

How should you describe the machine’s movements during treatment to the patient?

Answer 12

The machine (Linac) will move around them but never touch them. There’s nothing to feel or see, and it can be boring.

Question 13

What should you tell the patient while adjusting their position on the treatment table? In regards to what (you) will be doing to them.

Answer 13

Inform them that you will be touching them to help position their hands and feet, and to remain still during the adjustment process

Question 14

During Sim how do you describe the role of the radiation therapist during the session to the patient?

Answer 14

The therapist will be in and out several times to take measurements and images, but the patient should stay still until told otherwise.

Question 15

How should you reassure the patient once you leave the room?

Answer 15

Let them know you can see and hear them the whole time from the console, so they are never alone.

Question 16

What should you say before stepping out of the treatment room?

Answer 16

Remind the patient to hold still, breathe normally, and that there is nothing to feel or see.

Question 17

What should you do if you need to re-enter the room during an ISO check?

Answer 17

Politely remind the patient to hold still, work quickly, and if the patient talks, kindly say, “I need to concentrate so you don’t have to lay here longer than necessary.”

Question 18

What should you say once the ISO check is done (while they are still laying on the table)?

Answer 18

Inform the patient, “We are all done. Don’t move yet; you are high in the air and close to the machine.” Then assist them as needed.

Question 19

What should you discuss with the patient after the ISO check is complete (after you’ve helped them off the table)?

Answer 19

Ask if they have any questions and answer them while helping the patient get changed or reviewing the next steps.

Question 20

What should you say during your final contact with the patient on sim day?

Answer 20

“It was nice meeting you, (Patient’s name). We will see you (next appointment time). Daily treatments will be faster than today, but there will still be nothing to feel or see.”

Question 21

How should you guide the patient after the final contact (as in out of the room)?

Answer 21

Direct the patient to the exit or nurse as needed, and give them encouragement for how well they did during the session.

Question 22

What should you do if a patient asks about side effects?

Answer 22

Explain that side effects will be discussed at the end of the appointment, and reassure them there won’t be any during today’s session.

Question 23

How should you introduce your partner during the treatment session?

Answer 23

Indicate your partner by name and explain that the patient will see both of you daily.

Question 24

What is the patient’s job during the treatment session?

Answer 24

Their job is to lie still, except for normal breathing, and let the therapist make all adjustments and movements.

Question 25

How do you ensure a patient is ready for you to leave the treatment room?

Answer 25

Remind them to breathe normally and stay still, and reassure them that you can hear and see them the entire time.

Question 26

What should therapists avoid saying or doing during patient setup?

Answer 26

Therapists should avoid saying alarming phrases like “Oops” or “Uh oh” and should never refer to the treatment room as the “Scary Room.”

Question 27