Abstract
Radiation therapy (or radiation oncology) plays a crucial role in the treatment of cancer, requiring advanced medical practices and strong health literacy on the part of healthcare professionals. This chapter aims to explore with a literature review how emerging technologies can be integrated into radiation therapy to improve patient health literacy and the effectiveness of medical practice. The application of technologies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and digital communication in radiotherapy highlights their implications for professional education attitude, patient education and treatment, and the development of optimization of radiotherapy treatment protocols. Nowadays, knowledge has become a crucial tool to meet the challenges of an increasingly digitized society. Staying up-to-date and understanding emerging technologies can be key to navigating this landscape. The ability to learn and adapt quickly has also become a valuable skill during constant change in a global society.
TopMain Focus Of The Chapter
The primary focus of this chapter is to delve into the recent technological advancements in health literacy, particularly within the field of radiotherapy. This exploration begins with a historical overview (Hewitt, 1973), tracing the evolution of digital health technologies and their impact on health literacy (Arif et al., 2024; Miranda, 2024; Tomé et al., 2024) from their inception to the present day. This historical context sets the stage for a comprehensive analysis of contemporary digital health technologies used in radiotherapy, evaluating their potential, feasibility, and effectiveness in various settings. The unique contribution of this chapter lies in its multidimensional approach, which combines innovative research methods, novel theoretical frameworks, and fresh insights to assess these technologies. This approach not only offers a deeper understanding of current tools and practices but also sheds light on their practical implications for patients, students, and professionals in the field. By addressing current trends, debates, and developments, the chapter also situates itself at the forefront of scholarly discussion in the field. It not only informs readers of the latest technological advancements but also encourages critical reflection on the future trajectory of health literacy in radiotherapy, making a significant contribution to the ongoing dialogue in healthcare technology and practice (Erisen & Uludag, 2024; Tariq, 2024a; Toit & Goosen, 2024).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Oncology: A branch of medicine focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Health Literacy: Pertains to the ability of individuals to comprehend health information and services, necessary for making informed health decisions. It's important in health promotion and protection, disease prevention, health care, early screening, and policymaking.
Virtual Reality: The use of computer modeling and simulation allowing interaction with a synthetic three-dimensional visual or other sensory environments. It enables immersive experiences for various applications, including in healthcare and entertainment.
Artificial Intelligence: A technology simulating human intelligence in machines, programmed to mimic human cognitive functions like learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language comprehension. It involves studying human brain patterns and cognitive processes to develop intelligent software and systems.
Radiotherapy: A treatment method using high-energy rays or radioactive substances to damage cancer cells and impede their growth and division.
Digital skills: The ability to locate, evaluate, utilize, share, and create content using digital devices, such as computers and smartphones.
Digital Health Literacy: The capacity to seek, find, understand, evaluate, and use health information from electronic sources to address or solve health problems. This includes accessing electronic health records, communicating with healthcare teams electronically, discerning reliable online health information, and using health and wellness apps.