Radiographer educational requirements for adaptive radiotherapy techniques: A mixed-methods regional scoping study

Abstract

Introduction

In the study region an off-line approach is currently taken to adaptive radiotherapy delivery with plans to implement on-line approaches imminently. This is a step-change in how radiotherapy is delivered and represents a shift in traditional professional roles and responsibilities. This research aimed to explore therapeutic radiographer educational needs at a regional level and strategise how the therapeutic radiographer workforce can be enabled to deliver on-line adaptive radiotherapy.

Methods

A mixed methods study was undertaken consisting of a quantitative on-line survey followed by qualitative interviews and a focus group. Survey invites were sent to all registered therapeutic radiographers in the region. All survey participants were invited to a focus group. There were 32 respondents to the survey and six focus group participants from all three radiotherapy centres in the region. There were four interview participants who were local service and education leads.

Results

16 of 32 survey participants were moderately familiar with the concept of adaptive radiotherapy but 22 participants felt not confident at all or slightly confident to adapt treatment plans. A key area for development was decision making and clinical judgment prior to plan adaptation. Upskilling radiographers were seen as essential and inter-disciplinary collaborations were key to this, particular with physicist, dosimetrist and clinical oncologists. Robust educational programmes were identified as a requirement at and pre and post registration level.

Conclusion and implications for practice

The academic underpinning of adaptive radiotherapy needs to be addressed to streamline the rapid uptake of advanced radiotherapy technologies. There was a consensus that a regional, inter-organisational approach to addressing radiographer educational needs is warranted to ensure efficiency and sustainability of clinical on-line adaptive radiotherapy implementation.