Purpose/objectives: To develop evidence-based practice guidelines for and standardize the care of radiation skin reactions.
Data sources: Peer-reviewed scientific journals and texts and a survey of the guidelines in use at leading cancer treatment facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Data synthesis: A formal reference document with recommended guidelines was developed. Consensus was obtained from all relevant disciplines, and the guidelines were implemented successfully into practice.
Conclusions: The document introduced a major change in practice from the maintenance of a dry radiation treatment area to the promotion of skin cleanliness and hydration, as well as the adoption of the principles of moist wound healing. Annual review indicated that dissemination of (94%) and compliance with (78%) the guidelines were good.
Implications for nursing: The process to develop, obtain consensus for, and implement evidence-based practice guidelines was an exemplary demonstration of teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.