E205: Annie Prescott - NIHR Research on Brachytherapy and Workforce Education

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer, cancer treatment, internal radiotherapy and side effects.Episode 205: Part of the Education and Workforce Series (Part 68)Description: In this educational episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara Annie Prescott, a Therapeutic Radiographer at Rosemere Cancer Centre in Preston part-time, whilst she studies towards an MSc in Clinical Research, at Lancaster University with the support of the NIHR INSIGHT programme.Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara talk to Annie about her work focusing on gynaecological brachytherapy, including various topics such as the use of non-pharmacological interventions and workforce education in radiotherapy. CPD Reflection Points:After reading this paper and this paper, write a structured reflection (approx. 500–700 words) using a reflective model (e.g., Gibbs or Rolfe).Key Areas to Consider:Emotional impact on patientsAnxiety, embarrassment, vulnerability, and fear described in both studiesCommunication and information gapsHow well patients understood proceduresTiming, clarity, and consistency of information providedPhysical vs psychological careWere emotional needs addressed as much as physical ones?Dignity and privacyParticularly in intimate procedures like brachytherapyComplete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form.Links from the Episode:Mummy’s Star CharityBright Spot NetworkCancer and pregnancy registerBrachytherapyNIHR INSIGHTS programmeResearch links from the Episode:Humphrey, P., Bennett, C. and Cramp, F.(2018)‘The experiences of women receiving brachytherapy for cervical cancer: A systematic literature review’, Radiography, 24(4), pp. 396-403. 10.1016/j.radi.2018.06.002 Powlesland, C., MacGregor, F. and Swainston, K.(2023)‘Women’s experiences of information, education and support when undergoing pelvis radiotherapy for gynaecological cancer: An exploratory qualitative study’, Radiography, 29,pp. 70-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2022.10.004Rad Chat Links:Rad Chat WebsiteLink TreeFacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokBlueSkyYouTubeCredits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke.© Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved.  We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline.  You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing.  You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context.  Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.