Strengthening the Pediatric Radiation Oncology Workforce Through Digital Learning: A Capacity-Building Pilot from...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Medical Education
• Digital Health

Background:

• Pediatric cancer presents a global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
• There is a significant shortage of trained pediatric radiation oncologists in these regions.
• Addressing this disparity requires innovative training solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot a digital learning program aimed at enhancing radiation therapy planning skills for pediatric sarcomas.
• To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of virtual workshops and hands-on training in resource-constrained settings.
• To assess participant engagement, skill acquisition, and confidence in pediatric radiation oncology.

Main Methods:

• A two-day virtual workshop with didactic lectures was conducted in July 2024.
• A week-long practical component involved hands-on contouring exercises using the Eclipse Treatment Planning System.
• Pre- and post-workshop surveys were administered to evaluate engagement and skill acquisition.

Main Results:

• Sixty-two participants registered, primarily radiation oncology trainees and consultants from South Asia and the Middle East.
• Technical issues, including poor internet connectivity, hindered completion of the hands-on activity (19% completion rate).
• Despite challenges, 91% of respondents reported increased confidence in applying pediatric radiation oncology principles, with 63.6% valuing the hands-on component most.

Conclusions:

• Digital learning is a feasible and effective strategy for capacity building in pediatric radiation oncology.
• This approach can help bridge training disparities in resource-limited settings.
• Further development is needed to overcome technical barriers in digital health education.