title: The standardization of radiation skin care in British Columbia: a collaborative approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop evidence-based practice guidelines for and standardize the care of radiation skin reactions.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The process to develop, obtain consensus for, and implement evidence-based practice guidelines was an exemplary demonstration of teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.
authors.affiliation: Radiation Therapy at Vancouver Island Centre in the British Columbia. knystedt@bccancer.bc.ca
authors.forename: Kelly E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Nystedt
authors.forename: Jan E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: Alison M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Frankie
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Goodwin
authors.forename: Lori A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Rowe
authors.forename: Frances L W
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Anneke L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Kind
mesh_terms: D001955:British Columbia; D003245:Consensus Statements as Topic; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011855:Radiodermatitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017592:Skin Care / Q000592:standards*