ESTRO 38 Abstract book

S1213 ESTRO 38

measures were HPV Knowledge, information sources and parental attitudes. Results The vaccine uptake according to this study was 63.4% (n41) The study showed that 68.3% of the parents had good knowledge of the HPV Virus/Vaccine. A strong trend towards significance in this study suggested that participants with lower knowledge were more likely to consent. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed that parents wish to protect their child from cervical cancer and that worries about the vaccine safety were the main barrier to vaccination. Assumptions that more knowledge of HPV would lead to acceptability was not established in this study, instead it was suggested that those with lower knowledge were more likely to consent. Increased knowledge would indicate that the parents were more likely to do in –depth research and discover the well- publicised safety concerns. Conclusion Further efforts must be made to counteract the negative media available to parents to ensure they are fully informed in their decision making. Further research on the parents’ knowledge of vaccine safety could be done to address this. EP-2200 Understanding the impact of health literacy on self-efficacy in cancer patients undergoing treatment R. Scanlon 1 , C. Gillham 2 , A. Craig 1 1 Trinity College Dublin, Discipline of Radiation Therapy, Dublin, Ireland; 2 St Luke's Radiation Oncology Network, Radiation Therapy, Dublin, Ireland Purpose or Objective Health literacy influences how cancer patients participate in self-care and disease management due to their level of knowledge in the area. As shown in other groups, greater levels of self-efficacy result in patients seeking information, thus improving levels of self-care. These factors are important to consider in cancer patients, who rely on disease management and self-care to improve quality of life. The purpose was to investigate if a relationship exists between health literacy and self-efficacy in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and to identify if such a relationship can be affected by patients’ sociodemographic factors. Material and Methods An anonymous survey combining sociodemographics with standardised instruments of health literacy and self- efficacy was distributed in a radiotherapy service. Quantitative analysis was used to determine if a relationship exists. Results From the 165 surveys distributed, 62 surveys were returned, yielding a 38% response rate. Health literacy moderately impacted on self-efficacy ( r = 0.617, p < 0.001), with the strongest correlation in participants asking questions and participating in treatment. Education (r = 0.39, p = 0.002) and employment status ( H (4) = 10.19, p = 0.04) influenced health literacy. Of the sociodemographic data analysed, only employment status influenced self-efficacy ( H (4) = 9.727, p = 0.045).

contour change of DIBH. Instead, RPM was used as this system normalises to a baseline of 0, determined by the End Expiration amplitude. This breath hold was then verified by acquiring a CBCT while in EEBH and comparing to the planning CT acquired in EEBH. Flattening Filter Free (FFF) was utilised at treatment to cut delivery time, allowing patients to be treated in an achievable number of breath-holds. Further work will be carried out to determine the dosimetric impact on OARs of this volume reduction.

Electronic Poster: RTT track: Patient care, side effects and communication

EP-2198 Addressing treatment-related sexual side effects: Sub-optimal practice in radiation therapy O. Lynch 1 , P. Murphy 1 , A. O'Donovan 1 1 Trinity College Dublin, Discipline of Radiation Therapy, Dublin, Ireland Purpose or Objective Sexual side effects of treatment are common among cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. Little attention has been given to the role of radiation therapists (RTs) in managing sexual issues. The current study sought to address this by assessing the provision of care for sexual issues by RTs in Ireland. Material and Methods Cross-sectional data were collected using an online questionnaire. Measures included: participant characteristics; sexuality-related practice, knowledge, awareness, and confidence in dealing with sexual issues; the sexual attitudes and beliefs survey; and opinions as to the ‘ideal’ management of sexual issues. Results Discussion of sexual issues with patients was rare, and most participants ( N = 46) did not feel these issues were addressed effectively in their departments. Barriers to the discussion of sexual issues included: low knowledge, awareness, and confidence, perceptions of professional role boundaries; and concerns about personal and patient discomfort. Nonetheless, participants indicated that RTs should ideally be equipped to discuss sexual side effects of treatment, as they would any other side effect. Conclusion This study has identified a sub-optimal provision of care for sexual issues by RTs. Training is needed if RTs are to effectively support the work of the multidisciplinary team in this area. EP-2199 Attitudes of parents of female secondary school students towards the HPV vaccine K. Lawless 1 , C. Poole 1 , P. Murphy 1 1 TCD Division of Radiation Therapy, Radiation Therapy, Dublin, Ireland Purpose or Objective Cervical Cancer is the seventh most common cancer worldwide. The HPV virus is responsible for 70% of invasive cervical cancers and the decision to vaccinate a child against HPV is made by their parents. Concerns over the safety of the vaccine has resulted in a decrease in the uptake of the HPV vaccine. The main purpose of this study was to identify the influences behind attitudes currently held by parents of Irish adolescent girls and the factors causing the drop-in uptake. Material and Methods An anonymous questionnaire was designed and circulated among the parents of first-year students in two all-girl secondary schools (n 158). The questionnaire included both quantitative and qualitative questions. Outcome