Targeting Cancer Welcomes New Radiation Oncology Patient Charter

Targeting Cancer is delighted to endorse the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists’ new Radiation Oncology Patient Charter.

The charter, developed by the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology (CARO) and adapted by the Faculty of Radiation Oncology Council, outlines the care standards that patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer treatment are entitled to.

The charter outlines guidelines for how radiation oncology patients should be treated.

The charter states that radiation therapy patients:

• Be treated respectfully by all personnel involved in their treatment and care
• Access appropriate care in a reasonable time frame
• Receive information from their care provider that is based on best evidence
• Be given the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback
• Be informed about their treatment and care, including financial aspects
• Be actively involved in decisions related to their care and provide informed consent, which can be withdrawn at any time
• Request a second opinion during the course of their treatment and care
• Have their personal health information kept confidential and have access to it.
• Have their radiation treatment coordinated with the rest of their care.

The charter has been endorsed by key professional bodies involved in the delivery of radiation therapy, including the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia, the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine, the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy and the New Zealand Medical Institute of Radiation Technology.

All departments and practices are strongly encouraged to make the charter available to patients and families through prominent promotion.

For information on the charter, click here.

For more information on Targeting Cancer, click here.