A literature review on immobilisation and the impact this has on patients of all ages

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      Challenges of Immobilisation for Patients with Physical Disabilities:

• Pain and discomfort:Prolonged immobility in uncomfortable positions can exacerbate pain and discomfort existing due to the physical disability. This can lead to anxiety, decreased tolerance for treatment, and potential movement during therapy, compromising treatment accuracy.
• Difficulty maintaining position:Patients with limited mobility, muscle weakness, or spasticity may struggle to maintain the required position throughout the treatment session, increasing the risk of errors.
• Psychological impact:The inability to move freely during treatment can cause anxiety, claustrophobia, and feelings of loss of control, negatively impacting the patient's emotional wellbeing.
• Increased treatment time:Adapting immobilization techniques and ensuring patient comfort can extend treatment time, impacting efficiency and potentially delaying treatment completion.

Impact on Different Age Groups:

• Children:Children with physical disabilities may have difficulty understanding the need for immobilisation and cooperating with the procedure. This necessitates the use of age-appropriate communication strategies, playful distractions, and specialized immobilization devices tailored to their physical needs and size.
• Adults:Adults with physical disabilities may experience similar challenges as children, but with the added stress of potential job loss, financial burden, and managing family responsibilities amidst treatment. Addressing their specific concerns and providing emotional support is crucial.
• Older adults:Older adults with physical disabilities may have additional challenges due to age-related conditions like osteoporosis or cognitive decline. Careful assessment, minimizing treatment duration, and utilizing comfortable and adaptable immobilization techniques are essential.

Potential Solutions:

• Development of specialized immobilization devices:Utilizing adjustable positioning aids, custom moldings, and cushions designed for specific disabilities can improve comfort and maintain proper positioning.
• Incorporation of pain management strategies:Implementing pain management techniques like medication, physical therapy, and relaxation techniques before and during treatment can significantly improve patient experience and tolerance.
• Psychological support:Providing psychological counseling and support groups can help patients manage anxiety, cope with the emotional impact of immobilisation, and maintain motivation during treatment.
• Training for healthcare professionals:Equipping healthcare professionals with specialized training in treating patients with physical disabilities, including communication strategies, adaptation of techniques, and addressing specific needs, can significantly improve patient care.

Conclusion: Immobilization poses significant challenges for patients with physical disabilities undergoing radiotherapy. However, by acknowledging these challenges, implementing appropriate solutions, and providing comprehensive care, healthcare professionals can ensure successful treatment while minimizing the negative impact on patient well-being and maximizing therapeutic benefits. Further research is needed to develop innovative immobilization techniques, explore the effectiveness of various support interventions, and optimize patient care for this diverse population.  

Sample Answer

   

Literature Review: Immobilisation and its Impact on Patients with Physical Disabilities in Radiotherapy

Introduction:

Radiotherapy is a crucial cancer treatment involving the use of ionizing radiation to target and eliminate cancerous cells. However, for the treatment to be effective, patients need to be immobilized during the procedure to ensure accurate radiation delivery. While this is standard practice, it presents significant challenges for patients with physical disabilities. This review examines the existing literature on the impact of immobilisation on patients with physical disabilities undergoing radiotherapy, exploring the associated challenges and potential solutions.