Radiation-induced skin reactions 3: evaluating the RISRAS

Abstract

This article, the last in a three-part series, reports the methods used to evaluate the Radiation-induced Skin Reaction Assessment Scale (RISRAS), along with the results. For a newly developed tool, the results of the elementary reliability and validity testing were satisfactory. The RISRAS could be used in clinical practice following revision and further development and its introduction into clinical oncology practice is recommended as it will improve the assessment process of radiation-induced skin reactions and lead to better care for those patients undergoing radiotherapy. In the first article in the series (Vol 8(17): 1134-40), the extensive nature of radiotherapy-induced skin reactions were reported, along with their significance for the patient undergoing radiotherapy. Previously described assessment scales were examined in preparation for the development of the RISRAS. In the second article (Vol 8(18): 1208-11), the need for holistic yet specific assessment of these reactions was demonstrated and the methods used to develop the RISRAS were described.