Biopsychosocial Needs among Patients Receiving Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Thyroid Disorders: Suggested Guidelines

Abstract

Background: The most common treatment for Graves' disease and toxic multi-nodular goiter in adults is radioactive iodine therapy. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, biopsychosocial needs and develop radioactive iodine guidelines among patients receiving radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid disorders. Design: A descriptive exploratory design was utilized to conduct this study. Setting: The study was conducted at the outpatient clinics in Nuclear Medicine Center for receiving radioactive iodine therapy affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals. Subjects: Convenient sample of all available (65) adult thyroid disorders patients from both sexes. Patients who were admitted in the Outpatient Clinics at Nuclear Medicine Center for receiving radioactive iodine therapy were included in this study. Tools: Three tools were used for data collection I. Patients` Structured Interview Questionnaire. II. Assessment of patients' knowledge regarding radioactive iodine therapy. III. Biopsychosocial assessment needs. IV. Develop guidelines for patients receiving radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid disorders. Results: 80% of the patients with thyroid disorders were females with a mean age of 42.9 ± 10.8 years. 66.2% of the thyroid patients' had lack of knowledge and need to know about RAI treatment and its precautions. Regarding activities of daily living (ADL) about 58.5% of thyroid patients had difficulty in doing heavy house works, and 50.8% of them had difficulty in presenting care for their children. Regarding the psychological needs 81.5% of them reported having depressed mood and not feeling any happiness and experiencing the feeling of anxiety, as well 56.9% had loss of autonomy during this period. Conclusion: The studied subjects had poor knowledge about treatment and its implications; also the majority of them were in need for support in the physical and psychological needs (feeling of depression& anxiety). Additionally, they had a high level of concerns regarding the effect of disease and its treatment on their social and personal role. Recommendation: Equip the nuclear unit with simple, illustrated guidelines booklet covering instructions about provide patients with the needed knowledge and improving their quality of life while receiving RAI therapy.