HEROCARE: Advancing Paediatric Radiotherapy and Education through Innovative Care Models

Background

The need for innovative paediatric cancer care models that minimise the reliance on anaesthesia and sedation during treatment has never been more critical. The HEROCARE (Holistic Empowerment in Radiation Oncology) project, developed at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, pioneers an advanced framework that emphasises personalised preparations and experiential learning for patients, undergraduate radiography students and healthcare providers, particularly radiation therapists.

Objective

This presentation outlines the transformative impact of the HEROCARE model in paediatric radiotherapy, detailing its dual benefits in enhancing treatment efficacy and educational outcomes. It highlights the model's role in fostering empathy and compassion among practitioners, crucial for patient-centred care.

Methods

The HEROCARE model integrates immersive simulations and interdisciplinary workshops to prepare children and their carers for the radiotherapy course, significantly reducing the need for sedation/anaesthesia. This model serves as a practical training ground for radiation therapy students and practising therapists, emphasising hands-on engagement, empathetic patient and carer interactions. This model, incorporating real-world clinical scenarios into education, enhances students’ professional skills, communication abilities, and emotional intelligence.

Results

The implementation of HEROCARE has led to remarkable improvements in treatment outcomes, including a substantial reduction in sedation/anaesthesia use, shorter treatment times, and increased patient comfort and compliance. Simultaneously, the project enriches the training of future radiation therapists by providing them with comprehensive insights into patient-centred approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration. Feedback from participants indicates enhanced understanding of the emotional and physical needs of paediatric patients, better communication with children and families, and greater confidence in managing complex clinical situations without sedation.

Extension Beyond Paediatric Care

Building on its success in paediatric settings, the HEROCARE framework is proposed as a model for continuing professional development in radiation therapy. The model's adaptability for advanced practice professionals helps in refining their skills in empathetic patient care, complex decision-making, and collaborative practice. This initiative not only exemplifies the integration of service and education but also sets a visionary standard for developing cancer treatment protocols that are both effective and compassionate.

Conclusion

The HEROCARE project not only revolutionises paediatric radiotherapy by improving clinical outcomes and reducing dependency on sedation/anaesthesia but also significantly advances radiation therapy education. By bridging the gap between clinical practice and academic training, HEROCARE cultivates a new generation of radiation therapists who are not only technically proficient but also deeply empathetic and patient-focused. This model promises to redefine professional standards in cancer care, underscoring the critical role of empathy and compassion in the therapeutic disciplines.

Future Directions

With the proven success of the HEROCARE model in paediatric oncology, future initiatives will aim to expand its application across other demographics and medical specialties. This includes adapting the model for adult patients and integrating it into broader oncology and radiology training programmes to enhance the scope and impact of this pioneering approach.