Personal Summary – Radiation Oncology/Therapy

Adams, NS. The Radiologic Technologist, Ethics, and Patient Advocacy. 2012. Available at: http://www.eradimaging.com/site/article.cfm?ID=780. Accessibility verified September 22, 2013.

The author explores the ethics surrounding the obligations that radiologic technologists have in terms of patient care. Patient advocacy is extremely important given the role of radiation and the patient. The author reasons that in order for RTs to avoid issues in regard to the Code of Ethics, the medical profession must understand what can potentially occur should a violation happen (i.e. sanctions such as loss of certification and/or criminal or civil penalties). RTs ignorant of communicating with patients about the best possible routes for treatment need to be better educated in their respective programs as well as the hospital or medical facility in which they work. Continuing education for RTs ensures that tactful and professional communication and knowledge can be properly imparted to the patient on radiation protection and safety. The author additionally discusses the development of new radiographic procedures and positions that allow for a better quality of advocacy and care for the cancer patient.

The main purpose of Adams' exploration is to inform both RTs and the profession of radiation oncology/therapy. The information presented is thorough and extensive and leaves little room for doubt on the essentials surrounding radiation protection and safety in hospital settings.

Personal Summary

A friend of mine's mother recently was treated for stomach cancer and she was informed prior to radiation treatment of what she could expect in terms of how she would/could potentially feel and the short-term and long term effects on her body. No discussion of possible immunotherapies was ever proposed to the patient. The RTs that treated her informed her in accordance with the Rule of Ethics and was very professional in answering and educating her on the scope of his practice. The RT understood the importance and relevance of the how’s and whys behind radiation therapy and educated the patient as such to alleviate any potential fears she had about exposure to radiation. The RT adhered to them extensively to ensure that no HIPAA violations occurred while treating my friend's mother.