Creation of a Community of Research and Innovation in Radiation Therapy at a Community Hospital

Abstract

Purpose/Aim

Research and innovation have been an ever-growing field at {our institution] since its opening in 2007. Since then, many oncology professionals, including radiation therapists (RTs) have spearheaded projects that led to improved patient experiences, increased departmental efficiencies and excellence in daily practice. As our department of RTs continues to grow, more and more RT-specific ideas on research and innovation were highlighted in departmental optimization meetings and topic-specific working groups, it became evident there was a need to create a space for RT-focused research and quality improvement initiatives.

Methods/Process

A group of research-interested RTs met in 2021 to brainstorm opportunities to create a supportive, centralized and uniform platform to support current and future RTs in pursuing research and process improvement initiatives. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the group had to pause from 2021-2023, however then was reinstated once restrictions lifted. In 2023, the group met again and created an “SBAR” (Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation) document, with the recommendation to create a staff-led initiative to support RTs in pursuing research, innovation and quality improvements initiatives, with the goals of empower staff, encouraging and exploring new research opportunities, and increasing staff and student education and awareness around research. The SBAR was proposed and approved by the radiation oncology program and subsequently included on the 2024-2025 priority project board for the cancer centre.

Results or Benefits/Challenges

We have successfully created a small group of like-minded individuals, entitled “The Community of Research and Innovation in Radiation Therapy” (CORI-RT) who meet virtually monthly to support the endeavors outlined in our newly created terms of reference. This has included a terms of reference document. Although participation is still less than desired, we continually have more members join our community. We continue to seek new opportunities to increase uptake and participation.

Conclusions/Impact

We have made several improvements to our community, including organizing multiple RT program rounds with both internal and external speakers, presentations with RT students to encourage research, and support of new research and quality improvement projects. We are currently working on the creation of a virtual “hub” as a landing page to provide resources, updates and a space to ask questions and share information. We have made several improvements to our community, including organizing multiple RT program rounds with both internal and external speakers, presentations with RT students to encourage research, and support of new research and quality improvement projects. We are currently working on the creation of a virtual “hub” as a landing page to provide resources, updates and a space to ask questions and share information.