Shaping patient care in Geriatric Radiation Oncology: Through the lens of an Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist

IF 1.3 Q3 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences Pub Date : 2024-10-01 DOI:10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101474

Wendy Hoy , Lili Goh , Dr Francis Cho Hao Ho

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Singapore's ageing population necessitates heightened focus on complex health issues, particularly cancer. With a projected 53% increase in cancer cases by 2030, of which 70% will affect the elderly. Geriatric Oncology is pivotal in meeting this demographic's unique needs. Over 60% of cancer patients will require radiation therapy. Elderly patients exhibit specific challenges, including reduced treatment tolerance, increased comorbidities, and social support requirements, which complicate their care. Highlighting the need to advance geriatric radiation therapy services, Advanced Practice Radiation therapists (APRT) can provide personal care to address the rising demands of the ageing population.

Role expansion and Development

Our initiative is grounded in utilising the Advanced Practice Registered Technologist (Radiation Therapy) Competency Profile provided by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologies. This framework serves as the basis for our role expansion and development efforts. We have identified the feasibility of extending roles and the corresponding educational prerequisites. In the domain of clinical competencies, our experiential journey involves implementing established clinical geriatric assessment tools to evaluate elderly patients undergoing radiation treatment and elucidate the clinical rationale that informs treatment decisions and underscores the importance of collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure personalized, patient-centred care. Technical competencies: The use of geriatric tools enhances radiation treatment for this vulnerable population, aligning with geriatric assessment clinical practice guidelines. In the realm of professional competencies, we address the development of geriatric APRT in education, research, and leadership domains.

Conclusion

Our aim is to illuminate the evolving landscape of geriatric radiation oncology through the journey of an APRT. This transformation marked by challenges and opportunities, includes comprehensive patient care, geriatric assessment tools, and multidisciplinary collaboration. By embracing this initiative, APRT can have a profound impact on improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for geriatric oncology patients.

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塑造老年放射肿瘤学患者护理：高级放射治疗师的视角

背景新加坡的人口老龄化问题使得复杂的健康问题（尤其是癌症）必须得到更多关注。预计到 2030 年，癌症病例将增加 53%，其中 70% 将影响老年人。老年肿瘤学在满足这一人群的独特需求方面至关重要。超过 60% 的癌症患者需要接受放射治疗。老年患者面临着特殊的挑战，包括治疗耐受性降低、合并症增多以及社会支持需求增加，这些都使他们的治疗变得更加复杂。角色扩展与发展我们的倡议以加拿大医学放射技术协会提供的高级执业注册技术师（放射治疗）能力简介为基础。这一框架是我们角色扩展和发展工作的基础。我们已经确定了扩展角色的可行性以及相应的教育前提条件。在临床能力方面，我们的体验之旅包括采用成熟的临床老年病评估工具，对接受放射治疗的老年患者进行评估，阐明治疗决策的临床依据，并强调与多学科团队合作的重要性，以确保提供个性化的、以患者为中心的护理。技术能力：老年病学工具的使用加强了对这一弱势群体的放射治疗，符合老年病学评估临床实践指南。在专业能力方面，我们探讨了老年肿瘤放射治疗师在教育、研究和领导力方面的发展。这一转变充满挑战和机遇，包括全面的患者护理、老年评估工具和多学科协作。通过接受这一倡议，APRT 可以对改善老年肿瘤患者的治疗效果和生活质量产生深远影响。

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来源期刊

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING-

CiteScore

2.30

自引率

11.10%

发文量

231

审稿时长

53 days

期刊介绍： Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences is the official peer-reviewed journal of the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists. This journal is published four times a year and is circulated to approximately 11,000 medical radiation technologists, libraries and radiology departments throughout Canada, the United States and overseas. The Journal publishes articles on recent research, new technology and techniques, professional practices, technologists viewpoints as well as relevant book reviews.