Occurrence of claustrophobia in patients undergoing radiotherapy that require an immobilization mask

Abstract

Introduction: Radiotherapy is one of the more efficient methods of treating cancer. During preparation for radiation therapy, certain patients are fitted with an immobilization mask. This can cause feelings of anxiety or claustrophobia. Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the portion of radiographers that had met with claustrophobia in patients due to the use of an immobilization mask, as well as to investigate measures for reducing said claustrophobia. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, a questionnaire as a metric instrument was used. The participants were radiographers who worked with patients with immobilization masks, either during preparation for radiation therapy or during radiation therapy on a linear accelerator. Results and discussion: Results show that 98.4 % of radiographers had met with claustrophobia in patients with an immobilization mask. In 87 %, they had previously been warned about the problems. Having identified signs of anxiety, the most effective measures for their mitigation were: friendly attitude towards patients, understandable explanation of the procedure, mask with larger eye holes and music during the irradiation. Conclusion: Considering that a panic attack in claustrophobic patients can significantly limit their involvement in radiation therapy, it is important to recognize signs of anxiety and use strategies to control it. In clinical practice, it would be useful to introduce various relaxation techniques, also.

Keywords

• radiotherapy
• immobilization mask
• anxiety
• claustrophobia