100 ARS63rdAnnualMecting RadiationOncology ??Biology ??Physics

The needle can easily be which when retracted, engages deposition. Since the stylet the conventional 1.0 cm., the Staggered Row Technique which

afterloaded into an implanted #16 trochar the casing and frees the seeds for spacings can be cut for interval8 other than Scott-Mick Needle lends itself to he correct8 the anisotrophy of the 121 1 seed

caused by the welded ends blocking the radiation. In Figure 5, then conventional pattern of rows spaced 1.0 cm. apart in x, y, and c diameters (note cold spots) is compared autoradiographlcally with rows staggered at 112, 518, and 314 cm. with seeds spaced in the needle at 1.25 and 1.5 cm.

suulmary: The Scott-Mick Needle is described which facilitates introduction of any radio-active sources (eeeds) into a tumor in a linear arrangement spaced 1 cm. apart for conventional implant technique or 1.25 - 1.5 cm. apart for staggered row technique. The economies of

f multiple needles which are preferrable in ~h~oEc$Z~ E:.yfg&r. Afterloading into a 616 gauge trochar is feasible. The needle lends itself to the Staggered Row Technique which compensates for the ani'strophy of the 1251 seed.

(136) THE ROLE OF THE RADIATION ONCOLOGY NURSE IN CHILDRENS CANCER STUDY GROUP INSTITUTIONS

*Carol Marshall, R.N.'; Gail Perin, R.N.*; Ned Hornback, M.D.' Denman Hammond, M.D.3

and

Childrens Cancer Study Group

'Department of Radiation Oncoloav Indiana University School of Medi?ine

Indianapolis, Indiana 2 University of California San Francisco, California

3University of Southern California Comprehensive Cancer Center Los Angeles, California

A questionnaire formulated by the Childrens Cancer Study Group Nursing Committee was sent to 28 participating institutions. The pur- pose of this questionnaire was to (1) identify a nurse in each radiation oncology department who manages the pediatrie patient, (2) define the responsibilities of these nurses, (3) tabulate a list of radiation oncology teaching tools, and (4) identify areas where the Nursing Com- mittee could provide education concerning the Childrens Cancer Study Group.

Twenty-five of the 28 institutions responded. Data revealed that 21 of the 28 institutions employed R.N.'s, 86% of these nurses were unaware of a Nursing Committee within the Childrens Cancer Study Group, and 100% requested additional information concerning committee activi- ties.

It was believed that physical distance between oncology departments and pediatrie hospitals contributed to communication problems; however, the response indicates that 62% of the radiation oncology departments are located within the hospital, and an additional 24% are within one mile.

Radiation Oncology ??Biology ??Physics ARS 63rd Annual Meeting 101

Twenty-nine percent of the radiation oncology nurses did not know what the Childrens Cancer Study Group was, 57% felt they lacked an understanding of the protocols, yet 43% of the nurses were responsible for protocol compliance. Fifty-seven percent felt the patient and family were not wel1 informed concerning the aspects of radiation ther- apy. Ninety-two percent of the nurses surveyed are responsible for patientlfamily education, 55% obtain informed consent, 28% do patient setups and 33% conduct research.

This study wil1 serve as a basis to formulate an approach to actively involve the radiation oncology nurse in future Childrens Study Group activities.

more Cancer

(I37)A NURSING APPROACH FOR PREPARATION OF THE PEDIATRIC PATIENT PRIOR TO RADIATION THERAPY

*Carol Marshall, R.N.'; Gail Perin, R.N.2* Denman Hammond, M.D13

Ned Hornback, M.D.' and

Childrens Cancer Study Group . 'Department of Radiation Oncology

Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indiana

2 University of California San Francisco, California

3University of Southern California Comprehensive Cancer Center Los Angeles, California

Nurses responsible for the preparation of children prior to radi- ation therapy should possess a fundamental knowledge of the different treatment modalities employed in the management of pediatrie oncology patients. The nurses are usually responsible for initially informing the patient and family concerning symptoms and/or side effects expected from the radiation treatments. A survey of fifty pediatrie oncology nurses of the Childrens Cancer Study Group revealed that 80% had little or no knowledge as to the rationale, side effects, or treatment results of radiation therapy.

It is the purpose of this paper to present an institutional approach to the proper preparation of the pediatrie patient and family for radi- ation therapy. This program is designed to increase the awareness of both the pediatrie and the radiation oncology services. The radiation oncology nurse can help dispel misconceptions concerning radiation and the pediatrie nurse can help by identifying the special needs of the child in the environment of the radiation oncology department. A radi- ation procedures manual has been developed listing side effects and specific nursing interventions to manage them. A family handbook has also been developed which provides essential information to the patient and family. A film orienting the patient to the radiation oncology department is viewed by the patient and family in the clinic prior to the initial visit. These programs should serve as models for other institutions to emulate. Ultimately, pediatrie nurses involved in similar programs should be better prepared to evaluate and relieve much of the patient's stress and anxiety surrounding this important treatment modality.