Enhancing patient outcomes in radiotherapy through culturally integrated practices

Background: Radiotherapy (RT) is a critical modality for ovarian cancer treatment, yet its integration with culturally sensitive practices to enhance patient outcomes remains underexplored.This study investigates the impact of culturally integrated practices, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and culturally inspired hospital designs, on patient trust, satisfaction, and emotional well-being in RT settings.Materials and Methods: A phenomenological study involved semi-structured interviews with 15 healthcare leaders from Chinese hospitals specializing in RT for ovarian cancer.Data were analyzed using NVIVO software to identify themes.Results: Culturally integrated practices, including TCM (e.g., acupuncture, herbal medicine) and designs like healing gardens, improved patient trust by 78% and satisfaction by 82%, based on leaderreported patient feedback.Emotional well-being increased in 73% of patients, enhancing treatment adherence by 65%.Financial returns were modest, contributing 5-10% to RT department revenue, with primary benefits in reputation and loyalty.Conclusion: Culturally integrated practices in RT enhance patient-centered outcomes, offering a competitive edge despite limited financial gains.These findings support broader adoption in RT for ovarian cancer.