GUIDELINES ON VAGINAL DILATOR USE AFTER PELVIC RADIOTHERAPY

▪ This is a summary: the full paper can be accessed at nursingtimes.net

Jefferies, Hilary BSc, RGN
Hoy, Sonja PGDip, BSc, RGN
McCahill, Rosie MSc, RGN
Crichton, Alison DCR(T), PGDip

Hilary Jefferies, BSc, RGN, is Macmillan clinical nurse specialist, Birmingham Women's Hospital NHS Trust; Sonja Hoy, PGDip, BSc, RGN, is lecturer practitioner women's health, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London; Rosie McCahill, MSc, RGN, is gynaecology oncology clinical nurse specialist, Beatson Oncology Centre, Glasgow; Alison Crichton, DCR(T), PGDip, is Macmillan radiotherapy specialist, Arden Cancer Centre, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.

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THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN DOUBLE-BLIND PEER-REVIEWED

Nursing Times 103(30):p 28-29, July 24, 2007.

ABSTRACT

Jefferies, H. et al (2007) Guidelines on vaginal dilator use after pelvic radiotherapy. Nursing Times; 103: 30: 28-29.

This article describes the work of a National Forum of Gynaecology Oncology Nurses (NFGON) subgroup, which has developed best practice guidelines on the use of vaginal dilators in women receiving radiotherapy to the pelvis. The guidelines are based on evidence in the literature and were produced in response to reported inconsistencies in UK service provision. The guidelines aim to improve patient care, reduce disparity in services and highlight the healthcare needs of this group.