Purpose/objectives: To explore patients' experiences of and preferences for preparation for radiation therapy. .
Research approach: Qualitative study. .
Participants: 26 individuals who recently received radiation therapy for cancer. .
Setting: One Australian radiation oncology clinic located within a tertiary referral hospital in New South Wales. .
Methodologic approach: Semistructured interviews were conducted and analyzed based on a qualitative descriptive approach and content analysis of the transcribed interviews. .
Findings: Four main themes related to preparation techniques were identified.
Conclusions: The information gained in this study indicates what strategies may best prepare patients for radiation therapy. .
Interpretation: Providing patients with information that creates a realistic expectation of what radiation therapy involves both before and after treatment seems particularly important in helping them feel prepared.
Keywords: Patient education; ethics; informed consent issues; radiation.