Enhancing IMRT/VMAT Competencies in LMICs globally within radiation physicists through remote training

Area of Science:

• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics Education
• Global Health

Background:

• High-quality intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) are crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
• Implementation of advanced radiation therapy techniques in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs) is often limited by training gaps.
• Existing IMRT infrastructure in LMICs necessitates effective staff training solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a large-scale, remote training curriculum for medical physicists and clinicians in LMICs.
• To assess the impact of virtual training on knowledge, confidence, and practical skills in IMRT/VMAT.
• To determine the scalability and cost-effectiveness of remote education for radiation therapy.

Main Methods:

• A 15-week free, virtual course with live sessions, didactics, and case-based learning was delivered.
• Participants (n=240) completed pre- and post-course surveys assessing confidence and knowledge across seven IMRT/VMAT domains.
• Treatment planning skills were evaluated using standardized cases on the ProKnow DS platform.

Main Results:

• Mean confidence scores increased significantly from 3.00/5 to 3.80/5 (p < 0.001).
• Knowledge scores improved from 4.16/11 to 5.98/11 (p < 0.001).
• Automated treatment plan scorecard performance significantly improved from 12.64/25 to 17.74/25 (p = 0.0004).

Conclusions:

• The virtual IMRT/VMAT curriculum effectively enhanced participants' knowledge, confidence, and treatment planning skills.
• This remote training model represents a scalable and low-cost intervention for improving advanced radiation therapy implementation in LMICs.
• The study demonstrates the potential of virtual education to bridge training gaps in global radiation oncology.