Samantha Skubish, Shaun Caldwell, Sandra Hayden, Melissa Culp, John Culbertson, Jason Paisley, Sheryl Green, Nora Uricchio
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: In 2023, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) conducted a Professional Workforce Survey to define current and assess future practices of radiation therapists. The survey focused on the evolving role of radiation therapists, amid staffing constraints and advancements in radiation oncology technologies, exploring clinical duties, knowledge levels, comfort with specific tasks, and the call for advanced practice roles.
Methods and materials: In October 2023, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists ARRT sent 14,822 survey invitations to certified radiation therapists, using a questionnaire based on the ASRT's 2016 pilot survey and current trends in technology and practice17. By November 2023, 403 responses were received, resulting in a 2.7% response rate. With an estimated 23,000 radiation therapists, the sample size of 403 provides a ±4.8% margin of error at a 95% confidence level.
Results: The survey identifies areas where Radiation Therapist's excel with high knowledge, comfort and low supervision while highlighting opportunities to strengthen clinical and technical skills to meet evolving technology and standards. It emphasized the need to define advanced practice roles (APRT) for radiation therapists to improve care delivery, address staffing shortages, and provide career growth. Expanding RT's scope in research and care coordination could help fill gaps, alleviate workforce challenges, and improve outcomes.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that the future of radiation therapy practice lies in maximizing the potential of radiation therapists, with additional development needed to define new clinical career pathways and improve patient outcomes. Further research and resources are necessary to establish evidence-based models that leverage radiation therapists' expertise to the level of advanced practice.
期刊介绍：
The overarching mission of Practical Radiation Oncology is to improve the quality of radiation oncology practice. PRO''s purpose is to document the state of current practice, providing background for those in training and continuing education for practitioners, through discussion and illustration of new techniques, evaluation of current practices, and publication of case reports. PRO strives to provide its readers content that emphasizes knowledge "with a purpose." The content of PRO includes:
Original articles focusing on patient safety, quality measurement, or quality improvement initiatives
Original articles focusing on imaging, contouring, target delineation, simulation, treatment planning, immobilization, organ motion, and other practical issues
ASTRO guidelines, position papers, and consensus statements
Essays that highlight enriching personal experiences in caring for cancer patients and their families.
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