Planning experience of new graduate radiation therapists in New Zealand

This research assessed the preparedness of new graduate radiation therapists (NGRTs) for the clinical practice of planning.

A senior planner from each department and NGRTs who completed their degree in 2020 were surveyed after approximately 6 months of practice. Both were asked about NGRTs preparedness for practice and for feedback on the Bachelor of Radiation Therapy (BRT) planning curriculum. NGRTs were asked about body sites planned, how many plans they completed and planning techniques they had used. Senior planners were asked about their expectations of NGRTs in planning.

New graduate radiation therapists frequently planned using three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) or virtual simulation (VSim). Commonly planned body sites were those with palliative intent, radical breast and sites more frequently planned using 3DCRT. The departmental sign-off process sometimes prevented them from generating VMAT plans. They suggested more VMAT teaching could be included in the BRT. Senior planners expected NGRTs to be able to plan using 3DCRT and VMAT/IMRT. They suggested more clinical workflow teaching in the BRT planning curriculum. The majority of NGRTs and senior planners felt the BRT prepared the NGRTs for clinical practice.

The undergraduate degree is preparing NGRTs for clinical practice in planning. 3DCRT and VSim planning techniques remain a core role of NGRTs and a large proportion of clinical workload. NGRTs utilised their VMAT/IMRT planning skills less often during their initial period of practice, despite being expected to possess these skills. This is a challenge for the undergraduate curriculum and New Zealand departments as the clinical use of VMAT/IMRT continues to increase.