Current trends in therapeutic radiographers' research: A scoping review

The role of Therapeutic Radiographers (RTTs) is evolving alongside advancements in radiotherapy (RT) technology and techniques, and the principal research areas of the therapeutic radiographers (RTTs) are directly correlated with the development opportunities within the same context. This scoping review aims to explore current research trends relevant to RTTs, with a focus on professional development and the expanding scope of their roles in clinical practice. This will require a shift from an intuitive approach to one based on bibliographic evidence and trends that warrant greater emphasis.

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL, covering studies published between 2018 and 2023, and it was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews. The inclusion criteria focused on research related to RTTs, excluding general radiographer studies, clinical-only studies, and conference papers. The screening process was completed by eight reviewers.

A total of 39 studies were selected for inclusion. Key research trends included the Evaluation of patient engagement in radiotherapy (13 articles), the potential role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in RT (6 articles), the expanding roles of Advanced Practice Radiation Therapists (APRTs) across different countries (7 articles), and the increasing involvement of RTTs in Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) and Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART) in implementation, quality assurance, and training (9 articles). The literature also highlighted the importance of RTT-patient engagement, particularly in palliative care, and the need for advanced training in areas such as treatment contouring, digital competencies, and personalized care approaches.

RTTs are progressively assuming more autonomous roles in RT, particularly in treatment planning and contouring. The integration of AI and new technologies requires ongoing education and certification for RTTs to ensure they remain equipped to handle the evolving demands of RT. Increased involvement in research and interdisciplinary collaboration will enhance their contributions to patient care and clinical practice. However, further efforts are needed to standardize the APRT role and ensure consistent professional development opportunities.