Selected Radiation Safety Aspects including Transportation and Lodging after Outpatient <sup>131</sup>I Therapy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

Selected Radiation Safety Aspects including Transportation and Lodging after Outpatient 131I Therapy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. - 2017

Available online from MWHC library: August 2000 - present, Available in print through MWHC library: 1999 - 2006

BACKGROUND: Whether 131I treatments for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) should be performed as an outpatient or inpatient remains controversial. The objective of this study was to survey selected aspects of radiation safety of patients treated with 131I for DTC as an outpatient. CONCLUSION: This is the largest, patient-based survey published regarding selected radiation safety aspects of outpatient 131I treatment. This survey suggests several concerns about radiation safety, such as the decision process regarding inpatient versus outpatient treatment, instructions about radiation safety, transportation, and lodging after radioiodine therapy. These concerns warrant further discussion, guidelines, and/or policies. METHODS: An e-mail invitation was sent to over 15,000 members of ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. to complete a web-based survey on selected aspects of radiation safety regarding their last outpatient 131I treatment. RESULTS: A total of 1549 patients completed the survey. Forty-five percent (699/1541) of the respondents reported no discussion on the choice of an inpatient or outpatient treatment. Moreover, 5% (79/1541) of the respondents reported that their insurance company made the decision. Survey respondents recalled receiving oral and written radiation safety instructions 97% (1459/1504) and 93% (1351/1447) of the time, respectively. Nuclear Medicine physicians delivered oral and written instructions to 54% (807/1504) and 41% (602/1462) of the respondents, respectively. Eighty-eight percent (1208/1370) of the respondents were discharged within 1 hour after receiving their 131I treatment, and 97% (1334/1373) traveled in their own car after being released from the treating facility. Immediately post-therapy, 94% (1398/1488) of the respondents stayed at their own home or a relative's home, while 5% (76/1488) resided in a public lodging. The specific recommendations received by patients about radiation precautions varied widely among the respondents. Ninety-nine percent (1451/1467) of the respondents believed they were compliant with the instructions.


English

1050-7256


MedStar Washington Hospital Center


Medicine/Endocrinology
Medicine/Nuclear Medicine


Journal Article

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