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How can we support patients during radiotherapy and imaging?
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Radiotherapy is an important part of cancer treatment, used by about half of people diagnosed with cancer. We want to continue improving how we support patients during radiotherapy and imaging (eg. MRI scans), building on what we have learned so far.
During radiotherapy or imaging scans, patients have to lie alone in the room while the scan or treatment is taking place. This can feel lonely and can make some people feel more anxious.
Our work so far has focused on a soft robotic touch device. This is a small, gentle device made from soft, flexible materials that can give a light, comforting touch or pressure to the body. It is designed to feel a bit like a reassuring hand resting on you. Feeling a gentle touch, or a sense that someone is “there”, can be comforting for some people and may help to reduce feelings of anxiety during these procedures. This work has been co‑designed with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals through focus groups and early design activities, ensuring that patient experience is central to the approach.
We recognise that no single solution works for everyone. As part of our commitment to meaningful Patient and Public Involvement, we are keen to hear your views on other ways patients might be supported during treatment.
We would be delighted to hear from you about your personal experiences. You do not need any technical or research knowledge to take part. We want to know:
what you found helpful during treatment,
what didn’t work well, and
what you wish had been available at the time.
If you would be willing to take part in a discussion or advisory activity regarding devices to help reduce anxiety and to share your ideas, please get in touch with [email protected]. You can also add an idea to the board below. Your involvement will directly inform the development of future patient‑centred support approaches.
Radiotherapy is an important part of cancer treatment, used by about half of people diagnosed with cancer. We want to continue improving how we support patients during radiotherapy and imaging (eg. MRI scans), building on what we have learned so far.
During radiotherapy or imaging scans, patients have to lie alone in the room while the scan or treatment is taking place. This can feel lonely and can make some people feel more anxious.
Our work so far has focused on a soft robotic touch device. This is a small, gentle device made from soft, flexible materials that can give a light, comforting touch or pressure to the body. It is designed to feel a bit like a reassuring hand resting on you. Feeling a gentle touch, or a sense that someone is “there”, can be comforting for some people and may help to reduce feelings of anxiety during these procedures. This work has been co‑designed with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals through focus groups and early design activities, ensuring that patient experience is central to the approach.
We recognise that no single solution works for everyone. As part of our commitment to meaningful Patient and Public Involvement, we are keen to hear your views on other ways patients might be supported during treatment.
We would be delighted to hear from you about your personal experiences. You do not need any technical or research knowledge to take part. We want to know:
what you found helpful during treatment,
what didn’t work well, and
what you wish had been available at the time.
If you would be willing to take part in a discussion or advisory activity regarding devices to help reduce anxiety and to share your ideas, please get in touch with [email protected]. You can also add an idea to the board below. Your involvement will directly inform the development of future patient‑centred support approaches.
