Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40320500›Full record

ArticleSupportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer2025

Survey of radiation therapists' current practices and perceptions of psychosocial and supportive care in Canada and Norway.

Sophie Bezanson, Espen Aas, Kerry-Ann Smith, Lisa Di Prospero, Michael Velec, Arlinda Ruco, Safora Johansen

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Psychosocial and supportive care in radiation therapy: a qualitative comparison of Norway and Canada.Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · 2026
    Article
  2. Reirradiation practices of Radiation Therapists (RePoRT) study.Technical innovations & patient support in radiation oncology · 2025
    Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Sophie BezansonInterdisciplinary Health Program, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Canada.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0009-1670-6896
Espen AasDepartment of Life Sciences and Health, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0005-7294-7775
Kerry-Ann SmithCollaborative Academic Practice, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3361-0895
Lisa Di ProsperoPractice-Based Research and Innovation, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7192-8581
Michael VelecPrincess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0825-9792
Arlinda RucoInterdisciplinary Health Program, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Canada.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0221-5836
Safora JohansenDepartment of Life Sciences and Health, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway. safora.johansen@oslomet.no.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2307-4179

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeMany cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy report unmet psychosocial needs, which can negatively impact their treatment outcomes and quality of life. This study explored the current practices and perceptions of radiation therapists (RTs) practicing in Canada and Norway with respect to addressing the psychosocial and supportive care (PSSC) needs of their patients.

methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using an online evidence-informed survey of RTs in Canada and Norway that focused on (1) demographics, (2) RTs' confidence level and perceptions related to PSSC, and (3) RTs' current practices related to PSSC. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to summarize the sample and compare differences between countries.

resultsA total of 210 RTs completed the survey (Canada, n = 79; Norway, n = 131). RTs in both countries identified PSSC as an important aspect of quality care. Canadian RTs expressed a greater desire to expand their scope of practice in PSSC (p = 0.001). Norwegian RTs reported spending more time providing PSSC (mean: 8.3 h vs. 3.8 h; p < 0.001) and were satisfied with their current capacity. Barriers common to both countries included a lack of training and time constraints. Canadian RTs additionally reported limited institutional support.

conclusionSignificant differences exist in the current practices and perceptions of RTs in Canada and Norway regarding PSSC delivery. However, Canadian and Norwegian RTs agree that engaging in PSSC ensures the best care for patients undergoing radiation therapy. With enhanced training, knowledge translation of resources, and institutional support, RTs can better address the PSSC needs of their patients.

Indexed as

Attitude of Health PersonnelNeoplasmsSocial SupportAdultCanadaCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedNorwayQuality of Health CareQuality of LifeSurveys and QuestionnairesCancerPsychosocial oncologyRadiation therapistsSupportive care

Identifiers

PMID40320500
PMCPMC12050232

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.