Technical Innovations and Patient Support in Radiation Oncology最新文献

{"title":"Enhancing patient safety in radiotherapy: Implementation of a customized electronic checklist for radiation therapists","authors":"Andrea Lastrucci ,&nbsp;Marco Esposito ,&nbsp;Eva Serventi ,&nbsp;Livia Marrazzo ,&nbsp;Giulio Francolini ,&nbsp;Gabriele Simontacchi ,&nbsp;Yannick Wandael ,&nbsp;Angelo Barra ,&nbsp;Stefania Pallotta ,&nbsp;Renzo Ricci ,&nbsp;Lorenzo Livi","doi":"10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100255","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100255","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>The radiotherapy workflow involves the collaboration of multiple professionals and the execution of several steps to results in an effective treatment. In this study, we described the clinical implementation of an electronic checklist, developed to standardize the process of the chart review prior to the first treatment fraction by the radiation therapists (RTTs).</p></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><p>A customized electronic checklist was developed based on the recommendations of American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task Groups 275 and 315 and integrated into the Record and Verify System (RVS). The checklist consisted of 16 items requiring binary (yes/no) responses, with mandatory completion and review by RTTs prior to treatment. The utility of the checklist and its impact on workflow were assessed by analysing checklist reports, and by soliciting feedback to RTTs through an anonymized survey.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>During the first trial phase, from June to November 2023, 285 checklists were completed with a 98% compilation rate and 94.4% review rate. Forty errors were detected, mainly due to missing signed treatment plans and absence of Beam’s Eye View documentation. Ninety percent of detected errors were fixed before the treatment start. In 4 cases, the problem could not be fixed before the first fraction, resulting in a suboptimal first treatment. The feedback survey showed that RTTs described the checklist as useful, with minimal impact on workload, and supported its implementation.</p></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><p>The introduction of a customized electronic checklist improved the detection and correction of errors, thereby enhancing patient safety. The positive response from RTTs and the minimal impact on workflow underscore the value of the checklist as standard practice in radiotherapy departments.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36328,"journal":{"name":"Technical Innovations and Patient Support in Radiation Oncology","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100255"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405632424000222/pdfft?md5=cc115bc9071e5ad7ece64a870cdf4e5c&pid=1-s2.0-S2405632424000222-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141241398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical experience of a tattoo application device","authors":"Elizabeth Brown ,&nbsp;Tamara Barry ,&nbsp;Tao Mai ,&nbsp;Jennifer Harvey","doi":"10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100254","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100254","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>The use of tattoos for radiation therapy (RT) treatment is common practice. The Comfort Marker 2.0 (CQ Medical, Iowa, USA) has been designed to apply tattoos with a controlled depth injection, potentially resulting in tattoos that fade over time. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical implementation of the Comfort Marker 2.0 tattoo device including the patient experience and clinical workflow.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Patients undergoing RT treatment for breast cancer were invited to participate in this prospective pilot study. Patients completed a questionnaire after the planning session rating the level of pain experienced during tattoo application. Staff rated ease of use after each patient recording any feedback regarding the device. To evaluate tattoo fading, patients were followed up at 6 and 12 months after treatment to assess if tattoos could be visualised.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Between August and December 2021, 50 breast cancer patients were recruited to the study. All patients received at least 3 tattoos. The majority of patients (80%) rated their pain between not hurting or hurting a little. More than 85% of staff indicated the device was easy or very easy to use. The three most common areas staff identified for improvement were: cordless device (39.1%), pen size (20.3%) and consumable rubbish (13.0%). All tattoos remained visible at the final follow up appointment.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Clinical implementation of the Comfort Marker tattoo device has been successful. Overall, patients found the process reasonably painless and staff found the device easy to use, providing a consistent result.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36328,"journal":{"name":"Technical Innovations and Patient Support in Radiation Oncology","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100254"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405632424000210/pdfft?md5=0d8d9aedb3c1fb797e009ff3381e1254&pid=1-s2.0-S2405632424000210-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140919001","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of patient information format on the experience of cancer patients treated with radiotherapy","authors":"Siobhán Corish ,&nbsp;Ben A. Fulton ,&nbsp;Linda Galbraith ,&nbsp;Kirsty Coltart ,&nbsp;Aileen Duffton","doi":"10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100252","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100252","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Radiotherapy (RT) stands as one of the main cancer treatments. The impact of RT and cancer treatment can have a physical and psychological impact on patients and their carers. To gain patient's trust, and ensure they feel valued, information should be provided before, during, and after RT. Patient and public involvement (PPI) has been lacking, and increased engagement with PPI groups could improve this. This rapid review aims to analyse the literature, and describe and report patient perception, experience, and satisfaction regarding the information received concerning their course of RT.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>To allow the synthesis of results, a pragmatic decision was made to use a rapid review approach to analyse the literature, providing more timely information to inform future work. This rapid review utilised systematic review methods and was conducted according to a pre-defined protocol including clear inclusion criteria (PROSPERO registration: CRD42023415916).</p><p>Electronic databases CINAHL, AMED, Pubmed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were searched using a comprehensive search for published studies from January 2012 to November 2023. Two independent reviewers applied the eligibility criteria. Evidence from literature was extracted and transcribed into qualitative data and Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis (TA) was employed to determine themes by one reviewer and checked by a second [26]. Due to the heterogeneity of the included literature, the analysis of this review is presented primarily through narrative synthesis.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Sixty eight articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. Emerging themes included; a desire for information based on patient characteristics, information format, patient preparedness, timing e.g. timing of information and changing priorities over time, health care professional (HCP) involvement, barriers to information, and motivators for better information delivery.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Several factors can influence a patient’s desire for information, from whom and when they receive it, to what format they would prefer to receive it. There is benefit to be gained in employing PPI and patient advocacy to inform future studies that aim to further understand the themes that emerged from this review. Such studies can therefore inform HCPs in providing patient-specific information and support by utilising multiple teaching strategies available to them.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36328,"journal":{"name":"Technical Innovations and Patient Support in Radiation Oncology","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100252"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405632424000192/pdfft?md5=f7dd82c489e755490845f847e370b61a&pid=1-s2.0-S2405632424000192-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140913896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer: Improving treatment delivery efficiency and accuracy","authors":"Edoardo Mastella ,&nbsp;Joel E. Epile ,&nbsp;Eleonora De Guglielmo ,&nbsp;Sara Fabbri ,&nbsp;Francesca Calderoni ,&nbsp;Luigi Manco ,&nbsp;Klarisa E. Szilagyi ,&nbsp;Antonio Malorgio ,&nbsp;Alessandro Turra ,&nbsp;Antonio Stefanelli","doi":"10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100253","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100253","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>In stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer, intrafraction motion is an important source of treatment uncertainty as it could not be completely smoothed through fractionation. Herein, we compared different arrangements and beam qualities for extreme hypofractionated treatments to minimize beam delivery time and so intrafractional errors.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A retrospective dataset of 11 patients was used. Three volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) beam arrangements were compared for a prescription dose of 40 Gy/5 fractions: two full arcs, 6 MV flattening filter free (FFF); one full arc, 6 MV FFF; one full arc, 10 MV FFF. A plan quality index was defined to compare achievement of the planning goals. Plan complexity was evaluated with the modulation factor. Dose delivery accuracy and efficiency were measured with patient-specific quality assurance plans.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>All treatment plans fulfilled all dose objectives. No statistical differences were found both in plan quality and complexity. Very accurate dose delivery was achieved with the three arrangements, with mean γ passing rates &gt;96.5 % (2 %/2 mm criteria). Slightly but significantly higher γ passing rates were observed with single-arc 6 MV FFF. Contrariwise, statistically significant reductions of the delivery time were obtained with single-arc geometries: the average delivery times were 1.6 min (−46.1 %) and 1.3 min (−56.2 %) for 6 and 10 MV FFF respectively.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The high-quality, very fast and accurate dose delivery of single-arc plans confirmed the suitability of this arrangement for prostate SBRT. In particular, the significant reduction of delivery time would improve treatment robustness against intrafraction prostate motion.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36328,"journal":{"name":"Technical Innovations and Patient Support in Radiation Oncology","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100253"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405632424000209/pdfft?md5=4b5dc977cdf82421510d54390f6cf850&pid=1-s2.0-S2405632424000209-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140894402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Technical Note: Improving the workflow in a carbon ion therapy center with custom software for enhanced patient care","authors":"Sridhar Yaddanapudi ,&nbsp;Yushi Wakisaka ,&nbsp;Keith M. Furutani ,&nbsp;Masashi Yagi ,&nbsp;Shinichi Shimizu ,&nbsp;Chris J. Beltran","doi":"10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100251","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100251","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Carbon-ion radiation therapy (CIRT) is an up-and-coming modality for cancer treatment. Implementation of CIRT requires collaboration among specialists like radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and other healthcare professionals. Effective communication among team members is necessary for the success of CIRT. However, the current workflows involving data management, treatment planning, scheduling, and quality assurance (QA) can be susceptible to errors, leading to delays and decreased efficiency. With the aim of addressing these challenges, a team of medical physicists developed an in-house workflow management software using FileMaker Pro. This tool has streamlined the workflow and improved the efficiency and quality of patient care.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36328,"journal":{"name":"Technical Innovations and Patient Support in Radiation Oncology","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100251"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405632424000180/pdfft?md5=ca1a628247980323e599d616a4ef5fe0&pid=1-s2.0-S2405632424000180-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140815430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The existence of cranial bone flap displacement during brain radiotherapy","authors":"Nikolina E. Birimac ,&nbsp;Yves C.P. Willems ,&nbsp;Catharina M.L. Zegers ,&nbsp;Femke Vaassen ,&nbsp;David Hofstede ,&nbsp;Inge Compter ,&nbsp;Jaap Jaspers ,&nbsp;Alejandra Méndez Romero ,&nbsp;Martinus P.G. Broen ,&nbsp;Ans Swinnen ,&nbsp;Olaf E.M.G. Schijns ,&nbsp;Mirko Unipan ,&nbsp;Ruud M. Houben ,&nbsp;Wouter van Elmpt ,&nbsp;Daniëlle B.P. Eekers","doi":"10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100250","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100250","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Summary</h3><p>This retrospective study examined bone flap displacement during radiotherapy in 25 post-operative brain tumour patients. Though never exceeding 2.5 mm, the sheer frequency of displacement highlights the need for future research on larger populations to validate its presence and assess the potential clinical impact on planning tumour volume margins.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36328,"journal":{"name":"Technical Innovations and Patient Support in Radiation Oncology","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100250"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405632424000179/pdfft?md5=42d1aed23cd574420a983c7d8e396d95&pid=1-s2.0-S2405632424000179-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140618917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Survey of research attitudes of RTTs working in Scotland: A Scottish radiographer research forum collaboration","authors":"Alice Paterson ,&nbsp;Lynsey Devlin ,&nbsp;Joanne Mitchell ,&nbsp;Jacqueline Ogg ,&nbsp;Kirsty Farnan ,&nbsp;Suzanne Coupland ,&nbsp;Aileen Duffton","doi":"10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100248","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100248","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Evidence-based practice (EBP) is associated with improved treatment outcomes and survival in cancer patients. Engagement from therapeutic radiographers/radiation therapists (RTTs) in research, has been identified as a challenge. The aim of this survey was to gain an understanding of RTT attitudes to research in Scotland.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>This was a prospective study that used a mixed method cross-sectional survey, with an online survey tool (Webropol). The survey was developed with collaborators from all Scottish Radiotherapy Centres (n = 5) and piloted by 6 conveniently sampled RTT and validated by 8 experienced RTTs. The survey comprised 29 items, 7 selection-based demographic questions, and 18 statements with a Likert 5-point metric scale rating (1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree, 5 = strongly agree). The validity was measured with the content validity index (CVI) and item-CVI by 8 experienced RTTs. Low scoring I-CVI (&lt;0.78) questions were removed.</p><p>A total of 314 RTTs working in Scottish Radiotherapy Centres were invited to participate. Approvals were given by each Head of department (HoD), who also confirmed number of RTTs.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 102/314 (32.5 %) RTTs responded. The majority of RTTs agreed they were confident they had sufficient research skills to inform EBP (n = 58/102, 56.9 %), felt confident discussing EBP with colleagues (n = 67, 65.7 %) and felt research was important for role development (n = 89, 87.2 %). Low mean scores and standard deviation (SD) were observed for the following: “I know how to get involved in research” 3.2 (1.2), “I have been given the opportunity to get involved in research” 3.2 (1.1), and “I am well informed about current research projects in my department” 3.2 (1.1). 57.8 % (n = 59) of RTTs disagreed they were confident adequate time would be provided to be involved in research.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The survey results demonstrated a predominantly positive attitude to research amongst RTTs working in Scottish centres, with most common perceived barriers being access to protected time and staff; training, and support.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36328,"journal":{"name":"Technical Innovations and Patient Support in Radiation Oncology","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100248"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405632424000155/pdfft?md5=0e3fb083c83b12b645364ce73312a425&pid=1-s2.0-S2405632424000155-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140807116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A prospective randomized study comparing two frameless immobilization systems for cranial stereotactic radiotherapy","authors":"Dylan Callens ,&nbsp;Chahrazad Benazzouz ,&nbsp;Lise Stessens ,&nbsp;Wout Piot ,&nbsp;An Nulens ,&nbsp;Maarten Lambrecht ,&nbsp;Patrick Berkovic ,&nbsp;Jean-François Daisne","doi":"10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100249","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100249","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>The Dual Shell Encompass Fibreplast™ System (DS-Encompass) by CQ Medical™ is validated for frameless immobilization in stereotactic brain radiotherapy. An alternative mask model has been proposed with the rear shell replaced by a Moldcare® cushion (M−Encompass). To validate the use of this model in our cranial stereotactic workflow method including HyperArc™, we performed a prospective randomized study comparing inter-and intrafractional motion and patients comfort between both masks.</p></div><div><h3>Materials &amp; Methods</h3><p>A prospective randomized study between DS-Encompass and M−Encompass was conducted involving 60 participants. Stratification between DS-Encompass and M−Encompass was carried out based on the fractionation scheme. Treatment plans were created with HyperArc™. During treatment, surface guidance was used for patient positioning and monitoring. A pre-treatment cone-beam CT (CBCT) was acquired to correct interfractional motion and a post-treatment CBCT was acquired to quantify the intrafractional motion. Patients reported comfort was analyzed with a Likert-scale at the end of the treatment. Unpaired t-tests were conducted to determine the level of significance.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>No significant difference in interfractional translations is present. A significant difference is revealed in roll-axis rotation, where DS-Encompass allows for smaller deviations. Since interfractional motion can be corrected through daily CBCT-scans and 6D-couch corrections, they are clinically irrelevant. Intrafractional motion does not differ significantly and remains below 0.5 mm and 0.5° for both systems. There is no statistical difference in patient-reported comfort.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>We conclude that Encompass with Moldcare offers a safe alternative to Duall Shell Encompass for non-coplanar stereotactic brain radiotherapy. There is no significant difference in intrafractional motion nor difference in comfort levels.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36328,"journal":{"name":"Technical Innovations and Patient Support in Radiation Oncology","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100249"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405632424000167/pdfft?md5=963922d30176313bcfa12c7f536cbb01&pid=1-s2.0-S2405632424000167-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140543305","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Behind the Scenes: Radiotherapy technical training through professionals' eyes","authors":"M. Strasser ,&nbsp;M.H. Senger","doi":"10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100247","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100247","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Training technical professionals for Radiotherapy is essential due to growing demand caused by early cancer diagnoses, global population aging, rising cancer rates, and evolving equipment and techniques. Our objective was to gather insights from graduates of various courses who are now working professionally, based on the principle that one way to assess educational training is by considering the attributes that trained and active professionals deem important in the improvement courses they have taken.</p><p>A cross-sectional study (approved at the local Research Ethics Committee) was conducted, involving an online survey for the opinion of professionals already qualified as radiotherapy technicians or technologists and engaged in this work. The questionnaire consisted of 12 objective multiple-choice questions and four open-ended questions.</p><p>Of the 59 received responses, 49 professionals completed some course. Thirty-one (64.6%) pursued improvement/enhancement, followed by specialization (15; 31.2%) and extension (two; 4.2%). Thirty-four (69.4%) respondents had not engaged in any practical activities during their training. As for course weaknesses, respondents cited: inflexible schedule (29; 59.2%), distance from residence (12; 24.5%), low hourly load (four; 8.2%), and other issues (four; 8.2%).</p><p>The data underscores the need to adjust technical training in Radiotherapy, emphasizing the importance of a recognized professional team, practical learning, flexible schedules, and financial viability.</p><p>The strategic perspective of radiotherapy technicians currently working in this job market, emphasized the need for an adjustment in the offering of courses. These insights provide more well-structured foundations for contemporary teaching and learning processes, considering current societal characteristics, technological advances, and future student demands.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36328,"journal":{"name":"Technical Innovations and Patient Support in Radiation Oncology","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100247"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405632424000143/pdfft?md5=ba19eb2af241669af63d54c4eaebbe11&pid=1-s2.0-S2405632424000143-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140344663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"RTT advanced practice and how it can change the future of radiotherapy","authors":"Aileen Duffton ,&nbsp;Nicole Harnett ,&nbsp;Helen A McNair ,&nbsp;Erica Bennett ,&nbsp;Melanie Clarkson ,&nbsp;Jose Guilherme Couto ,&nbsp;Gavin Lawler ,&nbsp;Kristie Matthews ,&nbsp;Celeste Oliveira ,&nbsp;Natalie Rozanec ,&nbsp;Rita Simões ,&nbsp;Yatman Tsang","doi":"10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100245","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100245","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The radiation therapy (RT) landscape is continuously evolving, necessitating adaptation in roles and responsibilities of radiation therapists (RTTs). Advanced Practice Radiation Therapists (APRTs) have taken on a proactive role in expanding services and assuming responsibilities within multi-professional teams.</p><p>A European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) brought geographically diverse and experienced RTTs together, to discuss how advanced practice (AP) in the RTT profession should be future-proofed and create a global platform for collaboration. Challenges in achieving consensus and standardisation of APRT was identified across jurisdictions, emphasising the importance of international collaboration.</p><p>Whilst highlighting the pivotal role of APRTs in driving innovation, improving patient care, and navigating the complexities of modern RT practice, this position paper presents outcomes and recommendations from the workshop. Discussions highlighted the need for standardised role definitions, education frameworks, regulatory support, and career development pathways to enable the advancement of APRT effectively. Increasing networks and collaboration is recommended to ensure APRTs can shape the future of RT.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36328,"journal":{"name":"Technical Innovations and Patient Support in Radiation Oncology","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100245"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S240563242400012X/pdfft?md5=59017047bfb28ffcdef802ae637e0c92&pid=1-s2.0-S240563242400012X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140341238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}