Current trends in therapeutic radiographers' research: A scoping review

IF 1.3 Q3 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences Pub Date : 2025-05-01 DOI:10.1016/j.jmir.2025.101916

Irene Maran , Marta Assenza , Angela Peghetti , Federico Tabarrini , Gaia Angelini , Gabriele Spoltore , Elisa Gilli , Filippo Casarotti , Laura Chierico , Alessio Giuseppe Morganti , Stefano Durante

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

The role of Therapeutic Radiographers (RTTs) is evolving alongside advancements in radiotherapy (RT) technology and techniques, and the principal research areas of the therapeutic radiographers (RTTs) are directly correlated with the development opportunities within the same context. This scoping review aims to explore current research trends relevant to RTTs, with a focus on professional development and the expanding scope of their roles in clinical practice. This will require a shift from an intuitive approach to one based on bibliographic evidence and trends that warrant greater emphasis.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL, covering studies published between 2018 and 2023, and it was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews. The inclusion criteria focused on research related to RTTs, excluding general radiographer studies, clinical-only studies, and conference papers. The screening process was completed by eight reviewers.

Results

A total of 39 studies were selected for inclusion. Key research trends included the Evaluation of patient engagement in radiotherapy (13 articles), the potential role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in RT (6 articles), the expanding roles of Advanced Practice Radiation Therapists (APRTs) across different countries (7 articles), and the increasing involvement of RTTs in Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) and Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART) in implementation, quality assurance, and training (9 articles). The literature also highlighted the importance of RTT-patient engagement, particularly in palliative care, and the need for advanced training in areas such as treatment contouring, digital competencies, and personalized care approaches.

Conclusions

RTTs are progressively assuming more autonomous roles in RT, particularly in treatment planning and contouring. The integration of AI and new technologies requires ongoing education and certification for RTTs to ensure they remain equipped to handle the evolving demands of RT. Increased involvement in research and interdisciplinary collaboration will enhance their contributions to patient care and clinical practice. However, further efforts are needed to standardize the APRT role and ensure consistent professional development opportunities.

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放射治疗技师研究的当前趋势：范围综述

导论放射治疗技师（rtt）的角色随着放射治疗（RT）技术的进步而不断发展，放射治疗技师（rtt）的主要研究领域与同一背景下的发展机会直接相关。本综述旨在探讨与rtt相关的当前研究趋势，重点关注专业发展及其在临床实践中作用的扩大范围。这将需要从一种直观的方法转向一种基于书目证据和趋势的方法，这需要更大的重视。方法使用PubMed、Scopus、Web of Science和CINAHL进行文献检索，涵盖2018 - 2023年间发表的研究，并按照系统评价和荟萃分析首选报告项目（PRISMA）扩展进行范围评价。纳入标准侧重于与rtt相关的研究，不包括一般放射技师研究、临床研究和会议论文。筛选过程由8名评审人员完成。结果共纳入39项研究。主要的研究趋势包括患者参与放射治疗的评估（13篇文章），人工智能（AI）在放射治疗中的潜在作用（6篇文章），高级实践放射治疗师（APRTs）在不同国家的作用扩大（7篇文章），以及rtt在图像引导放射治疗（IGRT）和适应性放射治疗（ART）中的实施，质量保证和培训的日益参与（9篇文章）。文献还强调了rtt患者参与的重要性，特别是在姑息治疗方面，以及在治疗轮廓、数字能力和个性化护理方法等领域进行高级培训的必要性。结论srtts在RT中逐渐发挥更自主的作用，特别是在治疗计划和轮廓方面。人工智能和新技术的整合需要对rtt进行持续的教育和认证，以确保他们仍然有能力应对不断变化的rtt需求。更多地参与研究和跨学科合作将增强他们对患者护理和临床实践的贡献。然而，需要进一步的努力来规范APRT的作用，并确保持续的专业发展机会。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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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.