Radiographer educational requirements for adaptive radiotherapy techniques: A mixed-methods regional scoping study

Area of Science:

• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Imaging
• Radiotherapy Technology

Background:

• Current radiotherapy delivery in the region is off-line, with plans to transition to on-line adaptive radiotherapy.
• This transition signifies a major change in radiotherapy delivery, impacting professional roles and responsibilities.
• The study addresses the need to prepare the therapeutic radiographer workforce for this shift.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the educational needs of therapeutic radiographers regarding on-line adaptive radiotherapy.
• To strategize workforce enablement for the implementation of on-line adaptive radiotherapy.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining a quantitative online survey with qualitative interviews and a focus group.
• Survey distributed to all regional therapeutic radiographers; participants invited to focus group.
• Interviews conducted with local service and education leads.

Main Results:

• 16/32 participants were moderately familiar with adaptive radiotherapy; 22 felt not confident or slightly confident in adapting treatment plans.
• Key development areas identified in decision-making and clinical judgment for plan adaptation.
• Upskilling radiographers and interdisciplinary collaboration (physicists, dosimetrists, oncologists) are crucial.

Conclusions:

• Addressing the academic underpinnings of adaptive radiotherapy is vital for rapid adoption of advanced technologies.
• A regional, inter-organizational approach to radiographer education is necessary for efficient and sustainable implementation of on-line adaptive radiotherapy.