Learning modules
Activity 5: Understanding palliative treatment
Michelle’s bone scan identifies that she also has metastatic deposits on her spine which are the cause of her back pain. Following these results Michelle’s medical oncologist referred her to the radiation oncologist and a plan for some palliative radiation therapy has been put into place.
Michelle attends her planning appointment at the radiation therapy department. She sees Jeremy Peters, the radiation therapist, who responds to her questions about palliative radiotherapy. He orientates her to the radiation therapy department and the different types of equipment used in the planning process and the delivery of the radiation therapy
Thinking points
Activity 5: Understanding palliative treatment
Thinking points
Activity 5: Understanding palliative treatment
- What do you think would be the main sources of distress for Michelle at this time?
- What specific communication strategies did Jeremy use to give the assist Michelle to understand the treatment she was to receive?
- What additional communication strategies could the radiation therapist use to improve this interaction?
