To evaluate Flamigel®RT in the skincare pathway for patients having breast radiotherapy.
PO-1931
Abstract
To evaluate Flamigel®RT in the skincare pathway for patients having breast radiotherapy.
Authors: Rigley|, Joanne(1)*[joanne.rigley@genesiscare.co.uk];Grant|, Georgina(2);Alagbe|, Titilayo(3);
(1)Genesis Care Nottingham, Radiotherapy, Nottingham, United Kingdom;(2)Genesis Care, Elstree, London, United Kingdom;(3)Genesis Care, Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom;
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Purpose or Objective
Erythema is a common side effect of breast Radiotherapy and can often develop into moist desquamation.
The aim of this evaluation was to gain evidence in the effectiveness of Flamigel®RT in reducing incidences of moist desquamation and whether our skincare pathway can be adapted to improve the patient care experience in our centres.
Material and Methods
64 patients having radiotherapy to the breast or chest wall were included in this evaluation.
From day one of radiotherapy each patient used their chosen moisturiser either E45 cream, Aveeno or Aloe Vera gel.
At first sign of faint/dull erythema (RTOG 1) each patient changed their skincare product to Flamigel®RT and advised to use it three times a day.
Post Radiotherapy a specifically designed evaluation form was completed for each patient. The evaluation forms were reviewed and each question statistically analysed.
Results
During radiotherapy 98.25% only developed faint/dull erythema (RTOG 1).
97.4% of the patients found Flamigel®RT to be soothing upon application. 85% of patients found that Flamigel®RT improved pruritus.
At the two-week post radiotherapy follow up review 28.85% had no skin reaction (RTOG 0), 50% had faint/dull erythema (RTOG 1), 17.31% had bright erythema (RTOG 2a) and 3.85% developed patchy moist desquamation (RTOG 2b).
98.41% of the patients would recommend using Flamigel®RT.
Conclusion
This evaluation showed that using Flamigel RT can improve the skin reaction not only reducing the incidences of moist desquamation for patients having breast radiotherapy, but also soothes the patient’s skin and reduces itchiness.
Due to the positive feedback from the patients, a new skincare protocol using Flamigel®RT was designed and adopted across our centres to enhance patient care experience.